§ 45-745.18. Impoundments of water on mining sites.

The operator may create, if authorized in the approved mining and reclamation plan and permit, permanent impoundments of water on mining sites as part of reclamation activities only when it is adequately demonstrated that:

1.  The size of the impoundment is adequate for its intended purposes;

2.  The impoundment dam construction will be so designed as to achieve necessary stability with an adequate margin of safety compatible with that of structures constructed under Public Law 83-566 (16 U.S.C. 1006);

3.  The quality of impounded water will be suitable on a permanent basis for its intended use and that discharges from the impoundment will not degrade the water quality below water quality standards established pursuant to applicable federal and state law in the receiving stream;

4.  The level of water will be reasonably stable;

5.  Final grading will provide adequate safety and access for proposed water users; and

6.  Such water impoundments will not result in the diminution of the quality or quantity of water utilized by adjacent or surrounding landowners for agricultural, industrial, recreational or domestic uses.

Laws 1979, c. 249, § 21, emerg. eff. June 1, 1979.