Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 20 - Lands, Department of
Rule 20.03.01 - RULES GOVERNING DREDGE AND PLACER MINING OPERATIONS IN IDAHO
Section 20.03.01.012 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

Universal Citation: ID Admin Code 20.03.01.012

Current through August 31, 2023

01. Policy. It is the policy of the state of Idaho to protect the lands, streams, and watercourses within the state from destruction by placer mining, and to preserve them for the enjoyment, use, and benefit of all of the people, and that clean water in the streams of Idaho is in the public interest. (3-18-22)

02. Purpose. These rules are intended to implement the requirements for operation and reclamation of placer and dredge mining set forth in the Idaho Code. Compliance with these rules will allow removal of minerals while preserving water quality and ensuring rehabilitation for beneficial use of the land following mining. Placer and dredge mining is expressly prohibited upon certain waterways included in the federal wild and scenic rivers system. It is also the purpose of these rules to implement the state of Idaho's antidegradation policy as set out in Executive Order No. 88-23 as it pertains to placer mining and exploration operations. (3-18-22)

03. General Provisions. In general, these rules establish: (3-18-22)

a. Requirements for placer mine exploration operations; (3-18-22)

b. Procedures for securing a placer and dredge mining permit; (3-18-22)

c. The requirements for posting a performance bond as a condition of such permit to ensure the completion of rehabilitation operations; (3-18-22)

d. Procedures for initial and periodic inspection of placer and dredge mining operations to ensure compliance with these rules; (3-18-22)

e. Prohibition of placer and dredge mining on designated watercourses (see Section 060); and (3-18-22)

f. Prohibitions against placer and dredge mining on certain lands when not in the public interest. (3-18-22)

04. Compliance with Other Laws. Placer and dredge exploration operations and mining operations must comply with all applicable rules and laws of the state of Idaho including, but not limited to, the following: (3-18-22)

a. Idaho Environmental Protection and Health Act, Title 39, Chapter 1, Idaho Code, and rules as promulgated and administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. (3-18-22)

b. Idaho Stream Channel Protection Act, Title 42, Chapter 38, Idaho Code, and applicable rules as promulgated and administered by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. (3-18-22)

c. Idaho Dam Safety Act, Section 42-1710 through 42-1721, Idaho Code, and applicable rules and regulations as promulgated and administered by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. (3-18-22)

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Idaho may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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