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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 25. Department of Energy
Chapter 31. Reclamation Regulations for Mineral Mining
12/30/2024

4VAC25-31-350. Roads.

A. Internal service roads and principal access roads shall be planned to minimize the impact of traffic, dust, and vehicle noise on developed areas outside the mining site.

B. Construction standards.

1. The integrity of drainageways shall be maintained. If natural drainageways are altered or relocated during construction, adjoining landowners shall be protected from damage resulting from construction.

2. Drainage structures shall be required in order to cross a stream channel. Such structures shall be constructed with consideration for surrounding drainage acreage and culvert size, and slope so as not to restrict the flow of the stream, i.e., the bridge or culverts shall be of adequate size to permit stream flow throughout the seasonal periods during the life of the mine permit. Temporary stream crossings for pioneer roads shall be for infrequent use, stable, only used in low flow times, and shall not contribute to sedimentation off-site.

3. Roads shall be located away from streams wherever possible.

4. Road surfaces and ditches shall be stabilized. Side slopes shall be constructed in a stable manner to minimize erosion and sedimentation.

5. Ditches shall be constructed where necessary, with consideration for surrounding drainage acreage and slope and shall have sufficient capacity to control surface run-off.

6. Culverts shall be installed in accordance with the following standards:

a. Relief culverts shall be installed at intervals to prevent overloading of ditches.

b. Culverts shall be placed on a minimum grade to ensure free drainage and be covered by compacted fill as specified by the manufacturer.

c. The inlet end shall be protected by a headwall of a suitable material such as a concrete retaining wall, sand bags, rock riprap, or other approved material.

d. The outlet end shall discharge onto an apron of rock riprap or other approved material. Where practical, the outlet end shall be placed below the toe of the fill. At no time should run-off be allowed to flow over an unprotected fill slope.

e. All culverts shall have the capacity to carry storm run-off and shall be properly maintained.

7. Sediment control shall be provided for roads to minimize sediment that leaves the disturbed area.

8. Dust from roads shall be adequately controlled.

9. Roads shall be surfaced and maintained to prevent the depositing of mud and debris on public roads.

10. Roads shall not be surfaced with any acid producing material or any material that will introduce a high concentration of suspended solids into surface drainage.

C. Maintenance is required to ensure the proper functioning of the road and drainage system. Maintenance of the road system shall consist of inspecting, repairing and cleaning of roadways, ditches, and culverts as necessary. Particular attention shall be given to removing debris from culvert inlets.

D. When a road is abandoned, steps shall be taken to minimize erosion and establish the post-mining use in accordance with the reclamation plan.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-180.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 11, 2003.

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