Nonmetallic Mining in Wisconsin
1/31/12: Silica Sand Mining Report released
The rapid expansion of sand mining in Wisconsin has created a high level of interest about this activity from members of the public, reporters, local government officials, state legislators and others. In response, DNR has prepared a new report called Silica Sand Mining in Wisconsin [PDF] that summarizes the best current information on silica sand mining, its possible environmental impacts and local, state and federal regulations that address sand mining and processing.
The report will be updated periodically as any significant new information becomes available.
The DNR Nonmetallic Mining Program works to ensure local and county governments and mine operators across the state follow standards for mine reclamation, and provides assistance in developing mine reclamation plans and using a variety of materials in reclamation.
Counties and local governments have responsibility for siting nonmetallic mines through existing zoning processes and for regulating mine operation. The DNR is not involved in the mine siting process and does not maintain a comprehensive list of current nonmetallic mines in the state.
What Is Nonmetallic Mining?
A typical nonmetallic mine site in Wisconsin. DNR photo.
Nonmetallic mining is the extraction of stone, sand, rock or similar materials from natural deposits. The most common examples of nonmetallic mines are quarries and pits. Nonmetallic mining is a widespread activity in Wisconsin. The variety of geologic environments support a diverse industry. An estimated 2,500 mines provide:
- aggregate for construction;
- gravel and crushed stone (limestone and dolomite) for road construction;
- dimension stone for monuments;
- volcanic andesite for shingles;
- peat for horticulture and landscaping;
- industrial sand for export out of state for the oil industry; and
- a considerable variety of materials for other uses.
Nonmetallic mining does not include extraction of metallic mineral deposits containing metals such as copper, lead or zinc, nor does it involve recovery of oil, gas or coal.
Who Regulates Nonmetallic Mining in Wisconsin?
County and local zoning bodies are responsible for all mine siting requirements and regulation. County and local governments are also responsible for regulating mine operations other than reclamation activities. The DNR Storm Water Management Program may also require mine operations to have Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits.
Under ch. NR 135, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], the DNR Nonmetallic Mining Program is responsible for ensuring uniform statewide implementation of nonmetallic mining reclamation requirements. It does this by overseeing county and local reclamation programs, known as regulatory authorities (RAs). The DNR provides technical assistance to these programs and audits them periodically to ensure they are administering reclamation programs in a uniform and reasonable manner across the state. A stakeholder group, the Nonmetallic Mining Advisory Committee, advises the DNR on its adminstration of the statewide reclamation program.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Nonmetallic Mining Regulation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Registering a Nonmetallic Mineral Deposit
- Information for Regulatory Authorities (RAs)
- Information for Mine Operators
Mine Reclamation
Reclamation in progress at a nonmetallic mine site in Kiel. Photo courtesy Richard Wolkowski.
Reclamation of nonmetallic mines protects the environment through reduced erosion and wildlife habitat, allows productive end land uses, and has the potential to increase land values and tax revenues. The statewide reclamation standards are performance-based, rather than prescriptive, and address the salvage and protection of topsoil, revegetation and other site stabilization methods and control of erosion.
All active mines must have valid reclamation permits, issued by the RA with jurisdiction for the mine site, unless exempt from NR 135. New mines must apply for and receive a reclamation permit prior to beginning operations. The rules provide reasonable exemptions, such as for sites less than one acre, a pit on a farmer's land for personal use or excavations incidental to building construction.
A reclamation plan is the basis for granting a reclamation permit. It is a blueprint describing the steps that are necessary to reclaim the site to achieve a post-mining land use. The reclamation plan must demonstrate compliance with the uniform reclamation standards provided in NR 135 and provides environmental protection during and after the mining process.
- Guide to Developing Reclamation Plans [PDF 993KB]
- Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing and Reviewing Reclamation Plans
- Reclamation Fees and Financial Assurance
Resources
- Nonmetallic Mining Advisory Committee
- Information for Regulatory Authorities (RAs)
- Information for Mine Operators
- Nonmetallic Mining Newsletter
- Annual reporting and fee transfers
- Ch. NR 135, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR]
- S. 295, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR]
Local Contacts and Mine Site Locations
- Contact the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Mine Safety Program [exit DNR] for a list of mine operators and addresses.
- Local zoning information:
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Thomas Portle
(608) 267-0877
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