NonMetallic Mining
Who needs this permit? Anyone who excavates, dredges, grades, drills or blasts for naturally occurring, non-renewable materials such as: stone, sand, gravel, topsoil, asbestos, beryl, diamond, clay, coal, feldspar, peat, marl or talc.
New mines: Any new non-metallic mine needs to apply for conditional use permit through the Lincoln County Zoning Department. The conditional use permit application will need to comply with all requirements of Chapter 17.3.08 (10) of the Lincoln County Zoning Code. All required information must be submitted prior to beginning operations. To access Conditional Use Permit applications and other information, please click the button at the bottom of this page.
Exemptions:
- The site is less than an acre over the life of the operation.
- For domestic or farm use only at the person’s residence or farm.
- Excavation or grading solely for the development of construction sites and/or for the construction of buildings.
- Excavation near navigable waters regulated under DNR Chapter 30 permits.
- Operations that are subject to the reclamation requirements of the Department of Transportation.
What is required?
1. A plan for reclaiming the land to a designated land use (Plan review fee - $300.00). Plans must meet or exceed detailed statewide standards. For additional information on reclamation standards, refer to Chapter 12.04 of the Lincoln County Code of Ordinances. In general terms, the standards address the following issues:
- Minimization of active mined area
- Groundwater and surface water protection
- Restoration of fish and wildlife habitat
- Final grading and slopes
- Topsoil redistribution
- Revegetation and site stabilization
- Public safety and welfare
- Compliance with other environmental regulations
2. A bond or other form of financial assurance, which ensures implementation of the plan if the pit operator defaults.
3. Annual permit fees based on acreage of unreclaimed land, which is land that is actively used for extraction; material preparation, processing and storage; refuse piling; hauling; topsoil stockpiling; and other activities necessary to extraction and processing. Fees are not charged for undisturbed areas of proposed mining or reclaimed areas.
| Mine Rounded to the Nearest Whole Acre | Annual Fee* |
|---|---|
| 1-5 Acres | $225 |
| 6-10 Acres | $450 |
| 11-15 Acres | $675 |
| 16-20 Acres | $900 |
| 21-25 Acres | $1125 |
| 26-30 Acres | $1350 |
| 31 Acres or larger | $45 per acre |
*includes portion of fee that Lincoln County submits to DNR
What are the deadlines? Existing open pits must submit an annual report & fee by January 31st each year.
How do I apply? Permit applications are available at the Lincoln County Zoning Department at 801 N. Sales Street, Suite 103, Merrill, WI 54452 or online using the button below.
If you have additional questions you may contact the Lincoln County Conservation Program Manager at 715-539-1087.
| Title | Attachments |
|---|---|
| NonMetallic Mining - Permits and Forms | |
| Conditional Use Information |
