45.1-221.1 - Definitions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-221.1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Coal refuse" means waste material resulting from the mining and screeningor processing of coal.

"Coal slurry" means waste water and impurities produced as the result ofcoal washing and preparation for market, containing a combination of coal,shale, claystone, siltstone, sandstone, limestone, or related materials thatare excavated, moved, and disposed of from underground workings.

"Dam" means an artificial barrier or obstruction designed to impound water,coal slurry, or silt to an elevation of five feet or more above the upstreamtoe of the structure, and has a storage volume of 20 acre-feet or more, or isdesigned to impound water, coal slurry, or silt to an elevation of 20 feet ormore measured at the open channel spillway or from the crest of the dam in aclosed system, regardless of storage volume.

"Impounding water" means to impound water that has been used in carryingout any part of the process necessary in the production or preparation ofcoal.

"Operator" means any person who operates, controls, or supervises a water,coal slurry, or silt retaining dam or mine refuse pile impounding water.

"Refuse pile" means a pile of coarse or fine coal refuse that is a resultof the mining or screening process that may be stacked, spread, or graded,and covers a minimum of 20 acre-feet or more.

"Silt" means fine particles resulting from a mining operation, suspended inor deposited by water.

"Water" means liquid or slurry as a result of the processing of coal inmining operations.

(2005, c. 3.)