The following shall be submitted:
(A) Individuals or organizations wishing to undertake mineral exploration in the city must provide sufficient proof to the city, legal authority to explore and/or mine the property;
(B) A description of the mineral or minerals which are the subject of the exploration;
(C) A copy of the lease arrangement with the land owner shall be provided. This lease shall be recorded in the County Recorder’s office prior to granting the permit. The time limit and the location of the permit shall be incidental to that of the lease arrangement;
(D) A map indicating the location of the proposed exploratory boring(s);
(E) The applicant shall post a surety performance bond in an amount of 110% of cost of installation per hole to assure that sufficient funds will be available to carry out required reclamation and, if necessary, decontamination of affected ground water and surface water. The bond shall be released two years after exploration has ceased unless the city finds, for good cause shown, that the water quality of the affected area has not been restored or the reclamation plan has not been completed;
(F) An exact, technical description of the exploration process, types of equipment to be used and an estimated timetable for each phase of work and for final completion of the program;
(G) A general description of the regional environmental conditions to include surface land use and vegetation, as well as a general description of the area’s geological formations and hydrology;
(H) A description of the major environmental impacts that exploration will create as well as a proposed plan to mitigate those impacts including such items as soil erosion, air and water contamination, as well as related hazards to public life and safety; and
(I) A plan shall be provided for the reclamation of the land after exploration is completed. Surface reclamation shall take into account the impact on adjacent land uses, natural resources and the proposed future use of the lands explored. The plans shall include:
(1) A reclamation schedule;
(2) Method used to plug drill holes which must meet state standards;
(3) Method of grading, backfilling and contouring of exploration sites and access roads;
(4) Methods of waste management and disposal, including liquid and solid wastes such as tailings; and
(5) Method of revegetation.
(Prior Code, § 345.07)