Idaho State Statutes - Idaho Attorney Directory

DISTURBED LANDS TO BE RESTORED -- NOTICE AND RESTORATION OF
PLACER OR DREDGE EXPLORATION OPERATIONS. (a) Any person conducting a placer or
dredge mining operation shall, within one (1) year of permanent cessation of
operations as to the whole or any part of the permit area, commence
restoration of disturbed lands in the permit area or in any portion thereof as
to which operations are permanently ceased. In accordance with a permit
approved for the operation under section 47-1317, Idaho Code, surfaces shall
be returned to a contour reasonably comparable to that contour existing prior
to disturbance, topsoil shall be replaced where deemed appropriate by the
board, and vegetation shall be planted reasonably comparable to that
vegetation existing prior to disturbance. Any disturbed natural watercourse
shall be restored to a configuration and pool structure conducive to good fish
and wildlife habitat and recreational use.
(b) Any person desiring to conduct placer or dredge exploration
operations using motorized earth-moving equipment shall, within seven (7) days
of commencing exploration, notify the director by certified mail of the name
and address of the person, and the location, anticipated size, and method of
exploration. Such notice shall be subject to disclosure according to chapter
3, title 9, Idaho Code. Any placer or dredge exploration operation which
causes a cumulative surface disturbance in excess of one-half (1/2) acre of
land, including roads, shall be considered a placer or dredge mining
operation. Lands disturbed by any placer or dredge exploration operation which
causes a cumulative surface disturbance of less than one-half (1/2) acre of
land, including roads, shall be restored to conditions reasonably comparable
to conditions existing prior to the placer or dredge exploration operation.

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