The reclamation plan must address interim and final reclamation of any tailings impoundments.

1. (1) The treatment method proposed;
2. (2) Reasons for selection of the proposed treatment method over other possible treatment methods;
3. (3) Preliminary plans and specifications for facilities associated with tailings treatment;
4. (4) Storage of the proposed treatment reagents at the site;
5. (5) A plan of operation for the treatment; and

6. (6) Plans for disposal of treatment solutions, if applicable.

   In heap leach operations, the treated tailings must be used as backfill in the mine pits where compatible with the overall mine plan. If in-place tailings piles are approved by the board, physical reclamation must conform to the reclamation requirements for spoil in § 74:29:07:14.

Plans and specifications for all tailings impoundments must be certified by a registered professional engineer retained by the applicant. The engineer must be competent in the field of geotechnical analysis and impoundment design. The department's review of the plans and specifications must be performed by a registered professional engineer with the same qualifications. The plans and specifications must include a stability analysis of the impoundment.

Upon final reclamation, all tailings impoundments not designed for retention of fluids must be free draining. Drainage from such impoundments must not cause erosion, interfere with postclosure monitoring systems, cause water pollution, or limit access to the site.

The plan must address the proposed method of treatment of tailings. The plan must include the following:

Source: 14 SDR 111, effective March 3, 1988.

General Authority: SDCL 45-6B-81.

Law Implemented: SDCL 45-6B-5 , 45-6B-44 , 45-6B-45.