Any person engaging in onshore exploration that disturbs more than one surface acre or involves drilling to greater than 50 feet shall obtain an exploration permit. Prior to receiving an exploration permit, an applicant shall submit a permit application on a form provided by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Information required shall include the information necessary to assess impacts of the proposed exploration, including but not limited to:
(a)
The name and address of the surface owner and mineral owner.
(b)
The names and addresses of the persons conducting the exploration.
(c)
The name and address of any designated agent.
(d)
A brief description of the exploration activities, including but not limited to:
(A)
The amount of road to be constructed;
(B)
The number, depth and location of proposed drill holes;
(C)
The number, depth and location of proposed monitoring wells; and
(D)
The number, length, width and depth of exploration trenches.
(e)
Provisions for the reclamation of surface disturbance caused by exploration activities.
(f)
Exploration drill hole or monitoring well abandonment procedures, including but not limited to:
(A)
The capping of all holes;
(B)
The plugging of any hole producing surface flow; and
(C)
Appropriate sealing for any holes which have encountered aquifers.
(g)
A map with the location of the proposed exploration and delineation of exploration boundaries.
(2)
Any production records, mineral assessments or trade secrets submitted as part of the application under subsection (1) of this section shall be confidential. [Formerly 517.962; 1999 c.492 §11]