Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 158 - Natural Resources Department
Chapter 6131 - PEAT MINING
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part 6131.0020 - PURPOSE AND POLICY

The purpose of this chapter is to implement Minnesota Statutes, sections 93.44 to 93.51 in order to control possible adverse environmental effects of peat mining, to preserve the natural resources, and to encourage the planning of future land utilization, while at the same time promoting the orderly development of peat mining, the encouragement of good peat mining practices, and the recognition and identification of the beneficial aspects of peat mining.

Until more is known about the technological, economic, and environmental feasibility of reclaiming large-scale peat mining operations, the Department of Natural Resources shall adopt parts 6131.0010 to 6131.0340 to serve the state while more information and knowledge is obtained on the feasibility of mining and reclaiming large peat operations. It is the department's intention to amend parts 6131.0010 to 6131.0340 as may be needed in light of new information.

Because of the unique character of each individual peatland and the extreme diversity of the possible types and sizes of operations which might develop during the period when parts 6131.0010 to 6131.0340 are in effect, it is the policy of parts 6131.0010 to 6131.0340 that specific permit requirements for each permitted operation be negotiated within the framework set forth by parts 6131.0010 to 6131.0340. The requirements shall endeavor to fulfill the goals described herein and to attain the best reclamation plan for each individual site.

Statutory Authority: MS s 93.461