Nonmetallic Mining

Question: I want to mine rotten granite, stone, rock, sandstone, clay, peat, sand, gravel or other nonmetallic substance, for resale, construction or personal use. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: A permit is required to dredge materials from the bed of any lake, stream or pond, or to create a pond within 500 feet of navigable water, or to grade in excess of 10,000 square feet on the bank of navigable water. Fees are required.

For a nonmetallic mining project that involves one of the above activities, you will need to submit a waterway permit application, along with supplemental materials. Please contact the Water Management Specialist covering the county where your project is located, to obtain application materials and a copy of the Operator's Guide to Nonmetallic Mining.

For more information about other permits required, see Nonmetallic Mining in Wisconsin.

Notes

Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.19, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR, 627KB], Section 30.20, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB], and Chapter NR 340, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 37KB].