Statutes, codes, and regulations
Wyoming Administrative Code
Agency 020 - Environmental Quality, Dept. ofSubagency 0006 - Land Quality - Coal
Chapter 14 - EXPLORATION FOR COAL BY DRILLING
Section 14-3 - Reclamation of Drill Sites and Affected Lands

020-14 Wyo. Code R. § 14-3

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Current through April 27, 2019
Section 14-3 - Reclamation of Drill Sites and Affected Lands

(a) Drill sites and associated ancillary roads, as defined in Chapter 1 and 4 of these rules and regulations, shall be restored as nearly as possible to their original location.

(b) To the extent possible, all drilling fluids, drill cuttings and geologic samples shall be handled in the following manner:

  • (i) For those drill holes abandoned as per Subsection 2(h) of this chapter, remaining drill cuttings may be spread on the surface in such a manner as to prevent impairment of vegetation. Excess drilling mud and drill cuttings or any acid-forming or toxic materials uncovered during or created by exploration by drilling, including petroleum contaminated soils, shall be properly disposed of so as not to constitute a fire, health, or safety hazard during or after the exploration by drilling.
  • (ii) For all other drill holes: drilling fluids, drill cuttings and geologic samples shall be confined and buried below grade to the extent possible. Excess drilling mud and drill cuttings or any acid-forming or toxic materials uncovered during or created by exploration by drilling, including petroleum contaminated soils, shall be properly disposed of so as not to constitute a fire, health, or safety hazard during or after the exploration by drilling.

(c) To the extent possible, any surface preparation of the drill site shall be accomplished in a manner consistent with Chapter 4, Section 2(b), Land Quality Coal Rules and Regulations.

(d) To the extent possible, topsoil removal and stockpiling shall precede any excavation within the drill site and associated ancillary roads in a manner consistent with Chapter 4, Section 2(c) and 2(j), Land Quality Coal Rules and Regulations.

(e) To the extent possible, the discoverer shall reestablish the vegetative cover where vegetation has been removed or destroyed within the drill site and associated ancillary roads by seeding, planting, transplanting, or by other adequate methods in a manner consistent with Chapter 4, Section 2(d) and 2(i), Land Quality Coal Rules and Regulations.

(f) All lands, including ancillary roads or terrain damaged in gaining access to or clearing the site, or lands whose natural state has been substantially disturbed as a result of the exploration by drilling, shall be restored as nearly as possible to their original condition, including reseeding if grass or other crop was destroyed.

020-14 Wyo. Code R. § 14-3

Amended, Eff. 4/19/2016.