Part IV. Performance Standards
Article 2
Permit Renewal and Surety Adjustments
4VAC25-31-330. Protected structures and sensitive features.
Mining activities shall be conducted in a manner that protects state waters, cemeteries, oil and gas wells, underground mine workings, public utilities, and utility lines, buildings, roads, schools, churches, and occupied dwellings.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-340. Signs.
A permanent sign shall be installed on the mining site adjacent to the principal access road and shall be visible and legible to access road traffic. The name of the permittee and the permit number shall be on the marker.
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.
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.
4VAC25-31-360. Operation and reclamation.
A. Mining operations shall be conducted to minimize adverse effects on the environment and facilitate integration of reclamation with mining operations according to the special requirements of individual mineral types and the approved operation, drainage, and reclamation plans. Mining shall be conducted to minimize the acreage that is disturbed, and reclamation shall be conducted simultaneously with mining to the extent feasible.
B. Open pit mining of unconsolidated material shall be performed in such a way that extraction and reclamation are conducted simultaneously.
C. Mining activities shall be conducted so that the impact on water quality and quantity are minimized. Mining below the water table shall be done in accordance with the mining plan under 4VAC25-31-130.
D. Permanent lakes or ponds created by mining shall be equal to or greater than four feet deep, or otherwise constructed in a manner acceptable to the director.
E. Excavation shall be done in such a manner as to keep storm drainage flowing toward sediment control structures. Diversions shall be used to minimize storm runoff over disturbed areas.
F. The mining operation shall be planned to enhance the appearance to the public during mining and to achieve simultaneous and final reclamation.
G. At the completion of mining, all entrances to underground mines shall be closed or secured and the surface area reclaimed in accordance with the mineral mining plan.
H. Reclamation shall be completed to allow the post-mining land use to be implemented. After reclamation, the post mining land use shall be achievable and compatible with surrounding land use. All necessary permits and approvals for the post-mining land use shall be obtained prior to implementation.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-370. Slopes.
A. The grade of completed slopes shall be as described in the mineral mining plan. Long uninterrupted slopes shall be provided with drainage control structures, such as terraces, berms, and waterways, to minimize erosion due to surface run-off.
B. Slopes shall be stabilized, protected with a permanent vegetative or riprap covering, and shall not be eroded.
C. Constructed cut or fill slopes shall not extend closer than 25 feet to any property boundary without the written permission of the adjoining property owner and the approval of the director.
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.
4VAC25-31-380. Treatment of acid material.
All acid material encountered during the mining operation shall be properly controlled to prevent adverse impacts on surface or groundwater quality. Upon completion of mining, acid materials shall be covered with a material capable of shielding them and supporting plant cover in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Unless otherwise specified by the director, the minimum cover shall be four feet in depth.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-390. Handling of spoil piles and stockpiles of minerals.
A. All spoil piles will be graded in accordance with the mineral mining plan in such a manner as to minimize sediment run-off.
B. Stockpiles of minerals shall be removed to ground level and the area shall be scarified and planted in accordance with the approved mineral mining plan. The director shall allow a reasonable time for sale of stockpiles.
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.
4VAC25-31-400. Overburden, refuse, spoil and waste fills.
A. Overburden, refuse, spoil and waste disposal fills with the capability to impound water, sediment or slurried tailings, slimes or refuse in a liquid, or semi-liquid state, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 4VAC25-31-500.
B. Overburden, refuse, spoil and waste disposal fills that do not have the capability to impound water or other liquid or semi-liquid materials, shall meet the requirements of this section.
C. Fills that are not impoundments shall be designed to meet the requirements of this section and use current, prudent engineering practices.
D. The plans and specifications for fills shall consist of an engineering design report that includes engineering calculations, drawings, and specifications. These shall take into account the size, location, and hazard potential of the fill and will include the following as necessary:
1. A site plan showing the location of the structure, associated access, surface and subsurface drainage systems, sediment control structures, and the proposed fill configuration.
2. Cross sections and profiles showing the original ground, proposed fill profile, location of terraces and constructed slopes.
3. Design details for all surface and subsurface drainage control structures.
4. A narrative description of site preparation, foundation evaluation and preparation, materials placement, material handling, and sequencing of construction.
5. A closure and final reclamation plan for the fill and associated structures.
E. Fills shall be constructed, operated, and maintained such that they perform in accordance with their design and purpose throughout the life of the fill.
F. Fills shall be constructed with slopes no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical for predominantly clay soils and no steeper than three horizontal to one vertical for predominantly sandy soils or must exhibit a static safety factor of 1.5 for other steeper slopes.
G. Fills shall be constructed, maintained and inspected to ensure protection of adjacent properties, preservation of public safety, and to provide prompt notice of any potentially hazardous or emergency situation.
H. Fills shall be closed and abandoned in a manner that ensures continued stability and compatibility with the post-mining land use.
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.
4VAC25-31-405. Disposal of waste.
On-site generated mine waste shall not be disposed of within the permitted mine area without prior approval. On-site generated mine waste is approved for use as fill on the mining site provided they are capped with an adequate cover and seeding is established per the approved reclamation plan. Off-site generated inert waste shall not be brought onto the mine permitted area or disposed of on the mine permitted area without prior approval.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-180.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-410. Storage of top soil.
A. Top soil required for reclamation shall be stored with a maximum slope of 2:1 and in such a manner as to remain available for reclamation. The operator shall retain a minimum quantity sufficient to cover all disturbed areas to be reclaimed with six inches of top soil or as specified in an approved operations plan. Top soil will be needed for future reclamation and shall not be removed from the permitted area unless authorized by the division.
B. The stockpiled top soil shall be seeded with quick growing grasses or legumes for stabilization until used in final reclamation.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to sand and gravel operations in the Coastal Plain physiographic province.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-420. Screening.
A. Screening shall be provided for sound absorption and to improve the appearance of the mining site from public roads, public buildings, recreation areas, and occupied dwellings.
B. If screening is to be undisturbed forest, a distance of 100 feet must be left undisturbed within the permit boundary. Less than 100 feet may be approved if the natural vegetation provides the needed screening benefits between the mining operation and the adjacent property. Planted earth berms, tree plantings, natural topography, or appropriately designed fences or walls may be used if approved in the mineral mining plan.
C. On permanent berms for screening, the spoils shall be initially placed on the proposed berm area, and top soil shall be spread over the berm, not less than six inches in thickness, and if possible, 12 inches in thickness. The remaining top soil shall be placed in a designated area for future spreading on other areas that need top dressing. The screening berm shall be seeded or planted in accordance with the approved 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-430. Completion of active mining.
A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section and with the director's approval, a mining operation where no mineral has been removed or overburden removed or regraded, or where no substantial mine-related activity has been conducted for a period of 12 consecutive months shall be declared complete, and total reclamation shall begin.
B. At the option of the operator and with the director's approval, an operation may remain under permit for an indefinite period during which no mineral or overburden is removed if the following conditions are met to the director's satisfaction:
1. All disturbed areas are reclaimed or adequately stabilized, or all erosion and sediment control systems are maintained in accordance with mining plans and proper engineering practices.
2. All drainage structures are constructed and maintained in accordance with mining plans and proper engineering practices.
3. All vegetation is maintained, including reseeding if necessary.
4. All improvements on site, including machinery and equipment, are maintained in a state of good repair and condition.
If the conditions listed in this subsection are not met, the permit may be revoked by the director in accordance with § 45.2-1213 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 45.2-103 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 11, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019; Volume 38, Issue 13, eff. March 31, 2022.
4VAC25-31-440. Drainage and sediment control.
All mining operations shall have adequate drainage, erosion, and sediment control measures installed and maintained in accordance with the approved drainage plan or as acceptable to the division. Drainage from disturbed areas shall be directed into a sediment control structure before it is discharged from the permitted area. If adequate drainage, erosion, and sediment control measures cannot be provided, the permit for the affected portion or the entire mine may be denied.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-450. Sediment basins.
Sediment basins shall be located as close to the disturbed area as possible. Sediment basins shall not be located in perennial streams. Sediment control measures shall be installed prior to land disturbing activities within the drainage area controlled by the sediment basin. Each primary sediment basin shall provide at least 0.125 acre feet of storage capacity for each acre of disturbed land draining to it. Storage basins shall be cleaned as necessary to ensure proper functioning before they reach 60% capacity. Alternate sediment control measures that are as effective as sediment basins may be approved. The measures may include reduced basin storage capacity for small short-term disturbances, sediment channels, check dams, or mining methods that incorporate sediment control.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 21, eff. July 25, 2019.
4VAC25-31-460. Intermittent or perennial streams.
All intermittent or perennial streams shall be protected from spoil by natural or constructed barriers. Stream channel diversions shall safely pass the peak run-off from a 10-year, 24-hour storm. Stream channel diversions shall be at least equal to the capacity of the unmodified stream channel immediately upstream and downstream of the diversion.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-470. Natural drainageways.
Drainageways shall be identified on the map submitted with the application. If it is necessary for the operation to cross or fill such a drainageway, properly engineered drainage structures shall be provided to allow free-flowing drainage and minimize erosion. Where necessary, water-retarding structures shall be placed in drainageways.
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.
4VAC25-31-480. Diversions.
Surface water diversions shall be installed as necessary where run-off has the potential for damaging property, causing erosion, contributing to water pollution, flooding or interfering with the establishment of vegetation. Diversions that will be removed in 18 months or less shall convey the peak run-off of a 1-year, 24-hour storm. Diversions that function more than 18 months shall be able to convey the peak run-off of a 10-year, 24-hour storm.
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.
4VAC25-31-490. Water quality.
The pH of all water discharge resulting from the mining of minerals shall be between pH 6.0 and pH 9.0 unless otherwise approved by the director. In addition, discharges shall be in compliance with applicable standards established by the Department of Environmental Quality (9VAC25-260-20).
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-500. Water impoundments.
A. Structures that impound water or sediment to a height of five feet or more above the lowest natural ground area within the impoundment and have a storage volume of 50 acre-feet or more, or impound water or sediment to a height of 20 feet or more regardless of storage volume, shall meet the following criteria (noted in Chapter 13 ( § 45.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 45.2 of the Code of Virginia):
1. Impoundments meeting or exceeding the size criteria set forth in this section shall be designed utilizing a spillway flood and hazard potential classification as specified in the following table:
Class of Impoundment* | Spillway Design Flood (SDF)** | Minimum Threshold for Incremental Damage Analysis *** |
High Hazard | PMF | 0.50 PMF |
Significant Hazard | 0.50 PMF | 100-year storm |
Low Hazard | 100-year storm | 50-year storm |
*Size and hazard potential classifications shall be proposed and justified by the operator and shall be subject to approval by the director. Present and projected development in the inundation zone downstream from the structure shall be used in determining the classification. **The complete definitions of hazard potential are those contained in 4VAC50-20-40. ***The establishment of rigid design flood criteria or standards is not intended. Safety must be evaluated in the light of peculiarities and local conditions for each impounding structure and in recognition of the many factors involved, some of which may not be precisely known. Such can only be done by competent, experienced engineering judgment, which the values in the table are intended to add to, not replace. | ||
Reductions in the SDF may be evaluated by use of incremental damage analysis described in 4VAC50-20-52. Note that future development downstream may increase the required SDF.
2. Impounding structures shall be constructed, operated, and maintained such that they perform in accordance with their design and purpose throughout their life.
a. Impoundments shall be designed and constructed by or under the direction of a qualified professional engineer licensed in Virginia and experienced in the design and construction of impoundments.
b. The designs shall meet the requirements of this section and use current prudent engineering practices.
c. The plans and specifications for an impoundment shall consist of a detailed engineering design report that includes engineering drawings and specifications, with the following as a minimum:
(1) The name of the mine; the name of the owner; classification of the impounding structure as set forth in this regulation; designated access to the impoundment and the location with respect to highways, roads, streams and existing impounding structures and impoundments that would affect or be affected by the proposed impounding structure.
(2) Cross sections, profiles, logs of test borings, laboratory and in situ test data, drawings of principal and emergency spillways and other additional drawings in sufficient detail to indicate clearly the extent and complexity of the work to be performed.
(3) The technical provisions as may be required to describe the methods of the construction and construction quality control for the project.
(4) Special provisions as may be required to describe technical provisions needed to ensure that the impounding structure is constructed according to the approved plans and specifications.
d. Components of the impounding structure, the impoundment, the outlet works, drain system and appurtenances shall be durable in keeping with the design and planned life of the impounding structure.
e. All new impounding structures regardless of their hazard potential classification shall include a device to permit draining of the impoundment within a reasonable period of time, and at a minimum shall be able to lower the pool level six vertical inches per day, as determined by the owner's professional engineer, subject to approval by the director.
f. Impoundments meeting the size requirements and hazard potential of high, significant, or low shall have a minimum static safety factor of 1.5 for a normal pool with steady seepage saturation conditions and a seismic safety factor of 1.2.
g. Impoundments shall be inspected and maintained to ensure that all structures function to design specifications.
h. Impoundments shall be constructed, maintained and inspected to ensure protection of adjacent properties and preservation of public safety and shall meet proper design and engineering standards under Chapter 13 ( § 45.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 45.2 of the Code of Virginia. Impoundments shall be inspected at least daily by a qualified person, designated by the licensed operator, who can provide prompt notice of any potentially hazardous or emergency situation as required under § 45.2-1302 of the Code of Virginia. Records of the inspections shall be kept and certified by the operator or his agent.
i. The operator will prepare an emergency action plan (EAP) that includes the following information:
(1) A notification chart of persons or organizations to be notified, the person or persons responsible for notification, and the priority in which notifications are issued. Notifications shall include at a minimum the division, the local government authority responsible for emergency response, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
(2) A discussion of the procedures used for timely and reliable detection, evacuation, and classification of emergency situations considered to be relevant to the structure and its setting.
(3) Designation of responsibilities for EAP related tasks. Also, the EAP shall designate the responsible party for making a decision that an emergency situation no longer exists at the impounding structure. Finally, the EAP shall include the responsible party and the procedures for notifying to the extent possible any known local occupants, owners, or lessees of downstream properties potentially impacted by a failure of the impounding structure.
(4) A section describing actions to be taken in preparation for impoundment emergencies, both before and during the development of emergency conditions.
(5) Dam break inundation maps. Each sheet of such maps for high and significant potential hazard classification structures shall be prepared and sealed by a professional engineer. Where possible, inundation mapping in the EAP should be provided on sheets no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches to facilitate copying for emergency response.
(6) Appendices containing information that supports and supplements the material used in the development of the EAP, including plans for training, exercising, and updating the EAP.
(7) A section that identifies all parties with assigned responsibilities in the EAP and signed certification by all of those parties that a copy of the EAP has been received.
(8) Times periods for review or revision acceptable to the director.
3. Impoundments shall be closed and abandoned in a manner that ensures continued stability and compatibility with the post-mining land use.
4. The following are acceptable as design procedures and references:
a. The design procedures, manuals and criteria used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers;
b. The design procedures, manuals and criteria used by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service;
c. The design procedures, manuals and criteria used by the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation;
d. The design procedures, manuals and criteria used by the United States Department of Commerce, National Weather Service;
e. The design procedures, manuals and criteria used by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
f. Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Emergency Action Planning for Dam Owners, United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, October 1998, Reprinted January 2004; FEMA 64 or as revised;
g. Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams, United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, October 1998, Reprinted April 2004; FEMA 94 or as revised; or
h. Other design procedures, manuals and criteria that are accepted as current, sound engineering practices, as approved by the director prior to the design of the impounding structure.
B. Impoundments that do not meet or exceed the size criteria of subsection A of this section shall meet the following criteria:
1. Be designed and constructed using current, prudent engineering practice to safely perform the intended function.
2. Be constructed with slopes no steeper than two-horizontal-to-one-vertical in predominantly clay soils or three-horizontal-to-one-vertical in predominantly sandy soils.
3. Safely pass the runoff from a 50-year storm event for temporary (life of mine) structures and a 100-year storm event for permanent (to remain after mining is completed) structures.
4. Be closed and abandoned to ensure continued stability and compatibility with the post-mining use.
5. Be inspected and maintained to ensure proper functioning.
6. Provide adequate protection for adjacent property owners and ensure public safety.
C. Impoundments with impounding capability created solely by excavation shall comply with the following criteria:
1. Be designed and constructed using prudent engineering practice to safely perform the intended function.
2. Be constructed with slopes no steeper than two-horizontal-to-one-vertical in predominantly clay soils or three-horizontal-to-one-vertical in predominantly sandy soils.
3. Be designed and constructed with outlet facilities capable of:
a. Protecting public safety;
b. Maintaining water levels to meet the intended use; and
c. Being compatible with regional hydrologic practices.
4. Be closed and abandoned to ensure continued stability and compatibility with the post-mining use.
5. Be inspected and maintained to ensure proper functioning.
6. Provide adequate protection for adjacent property owners and ensure public safety.
Statutory Authority
§ 45.2-103 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 11, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013; Volume 38, Issue 13, eff. March 31, 2022.
4VAC25-31-505. Reporting impoundment failures.
If upon examination an operator determines that any water impounding structure in the permitted area has failed partially or completely, the incident must be reported to the division immediately.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-180.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-510. Alternative methods of stabilization.
Riprap shall be used for the control of erosion on those areas where it is impractical to establish vegetation or other means of erosion control or in any areas where rock riprap is an appropriate means of reclamation. Placing of rock riprap shall be in accordance with drainage standards and the approved mineral mining plan. Other methods of stabilization may include gabions, concrete, shotcrete, geotextiles, and other means acceptable to the director.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-520. Revegetation.
Disturbed land shall be stabilized as quickly as possible after it has been disturbed with a permanent protective vegetative cover. The Mineral Mine Operator's Manual provides guidance in the revegetation of surface mined areas. Exposed areas subject to erosion on an active mining site shall be protected by a vegetative cover or by other approved methods. Simultaneous revegetation shall be incorporated into the mineral mining plan. Reclamation shall be completed on areas where mining has ceased.
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.
4VAC25-31-530. Process in revegetation.
A. Slopes shall be graded in keeping with good conservation practices acceptable to the division. Slopes shall be provided with proper structures such as terraces, berms, and waterways, to accommodate surface water where necessary and to minimize erosion due to surface run-off. Slopes shall be stabilized, protected with a permanent vegetative or riprap covering and not be in an eroded state at the time reclamation is complete.
B. Crusted and hard soil surfaces shall be scarified prior to revegetation. Steep graded slopes shall be tracked (running a cleated crawler tractor or similar equipment up and down the slope).
C. Application of lime and fertilizer shall be performed based on soil tests and the revegetation requirements in the approved reclamation plan.
D. Vegetation shall be planted or seeded and mulched according to the mixtures and practices included in the approved reclamation plan.
E. The seed used must meet the purity and germination requirements of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The division may, at its discretion, take samples for laboratory testing. Noncritical vegetated areas shall achieve adequate cover so that no areas larger than one-half acre shall exist with less than 75% cover after two growing seasons. Seeded portions of critical areas shall have adequate vegetative cover so the area is completely stabilized.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-540. Trees and shrubs.
Trees and shrubs shall be planted according to the specific post-mining land use, regional adaptability, and planting requirements included in the approved reclamation plan. For forest and wildlife post-mining land uses, at least 400 healthy plants per acre shall be established after two growing seasons.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. December 19, 2013.
4VAC25-31-550. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 11, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 19, eff. July 4, 2013.