Reclamation

Detailed reclamation plans are required by the Idaho Surface Mining Act (http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/47015KTOC.html ) before mining begins. 

The purpose of this act is "to provide for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, through measures to reclaim the surface of all the lands within the state disturbed by exploration and surface mining operations . . . and thereby conserve natural resources, aid in the protection of wildlife, domestic animals, aquatic resources, and reduce soil erosion." 

The Surface Mining Act requires mine operators to post reclamation bonds to assure successful completion of the reclamation process.  The value of those bonds is based on the projected cost to complete the reclamation work plus ten percent.  This assures that the work will be completed even if the mine operator fails to do so.  Active reclamation plans cover about 70,000 acres of mined lands and are covered by about $150 million worth of reclamation bonds.  Nearly 25,000 acres of mined lands have already been reclaimed under this law.

Reclamation activities include:

• contouring of land;
• placement of topsoil or an approved growth medium in disturbed areas;
• reseeding and planting with selected native vegetation, crops and trees;
• years of careful attention to assure success; and
• intense monitoring by state and federal agencies to assure the reclamation is successful.

Ultimately, reclaimed sites are returned to productive uses, including grazing, wildlife areas, recreation areas and wetlands.