020-17 Wyo. Code R. §§ 17-1 - Definitions

For the purposes of this Chapter,

(a) "Fragile lands" means geographic areas containing natural, ecologic, scientific or aesthetic resources that could be damaged or destroyed by surface coal mining operations. Examples of fragile lands include crucial or important habitats for fish or wildlife, critical habitats for endangered species, uncommon geologic formations, National Natural Landmark sites, areas where mining may result in flooding, environmental corridors containing a concentration of ecologic and aesthetic features, areas of recreational value due to high environmental quality, and buffer zones adjacent to the boundaries of areas where surface coal mining operations are prohibited under W.S. § 35-11-406(n)(iv).

(b) "Historic lands" means historic, cultural and scientific areas that could be damaged or destroyed by surface coal mining operations. These include, but are not limited to archaeological and paleontological sites, National Historic Landmark sites, sites listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, sites having religious or cultural significance to native Americans or religious groups, or sites for which historic designation is pending.

(c) "Natural hazard lands" means geographic areas in which natural conditions exist which pose or, as a result of surface coal mining operations, may pose a threat to the health, safety or welfare of people, property or the environment, including areas subject to landslides, cave-ins, large or encroaching sand dunes, severe wind or soil erosion, frequent flooding, avalanches, and areas of unstable geology.

(d) "Person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected" shall include any person:

(i) Who uses any resource of economic, recreational, aesthetic, or environmental value that may be adversely affected by coal exploration or surface coal mining and reclamation operations; or

(ii) Whose property is or may be adversely affected by coal exploration or surface coal mining and reclamation operations.

(e) "Renewable resource lands" means geographic areas which contribute significantly to the long-range productivity of ground or surface water supply or of food or fiber products.

(f) "Substantial legal and financial commitments in a surface coal mining operation" means significant investments that have been made on the basis of a long-term coal contract in power plants, railroads, coal-handling, preparation, extraction or storage facilities and other capital-intensive activities. An example would be an existing mine not actually producing coal, but in a substantial stage of development prior to production. Costs of acquiring the coal in place or of the right to mine it without an existing mine, as described in the above example, alone are not sufficient to constitute legal and financial commitments.

Notes

020-17 Wyo. Code R. §§ 17-1