Oregon Administrative Rules
Chapter 632 - DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES
Division 35 - OREGON MINED LAND RECLAMATION ACT
Section 632-035-0010 - Definitions

(1) "Affected," as used in ORS 517.750(15)(a) means disturbed by excavation or any other surface mining or milling on any land surface during any stage of mineral production, or the covering of any land surface by surface mining refuse.

(2) A "Period of 12 Consecutive Calendar Months" as used in ORS 517.750(15)(a) begins on the date surface mining begins.

(3) "Disturbed Area" is any area within the permit area boundary where surface or ground water resources are impacted as a result of mining, milling or mine facilities.

(4) "Expansion" as used in these rules means lateral expansion consequential to surface mining into land surfaces previously not affected by surface mining.

(5) "Operating Permit" means a permit issued by the Department under ORS 517.790.

(6) "Ore Processing" means milling or other mineral concentration process.

(7) "Permit Area" is the geographical location of surface mining as defined in ORS 517.750(15). Permit area is defined by boundaries submitted on a map acceptable to the Department and means the area to be covered by an operating permit. The permit area will generally be a parcel or contiguous parcels available to the permittee for surface mining. Areas used for the storage or disposition of any product or waste material from the surface mining operation even though separate from the area of extraction shall be included in the permit area. The permit area may be redefined as mining progresses. In the case of exploration conducted under an operating permit, the permit area includes, but is not limited to, areas proposed for surface disturbance by drilling, drill pad construction, trenches and any roads newly constructed or improved with heavy equipment other than the road used to access the permit area.

(8) "Pre-Mine Use" when used in reference to surface or ground water means pre-mine uses that include but are not limited to:

(9) "Total Exemption" means surface mining that is exempted from the requirements of these rules. The Department may require certain information to be provided under OAR 632-035-0016(2) to establish exemptions.