Are there state regulations and resources available for gravel pit reclamation?
There are no statewide requirements or funds for the reclamation of gravel pits in Minnesota. Sand and gravel operations, including reclamation, are most directly handled at the local government (township, city, and/or county) level. Plans for the reclamation of currently active gravel operations may be included as part of the mining plan developed by the pit operator, and may be required by a local government. The county planning office or landowner can tell you about plans for final reclamation. More information about reclamation: A Review of Regulations Regarding the Reclamation of Sand and Gravel Pits in Minnesota (1989) and A Handbook for Reclaiming Sand and Gravel Pits in Minnesota (1992). You can obtain these documents from the Division of Lands and Minerals St. Paul or Hibbing offices or in some libraries. While there are no state funds for gravel pit reclamation, 28 counties administer the Aggregate Material Tax (Minn. Stat. 298.75). In these counties, 10 percent of the tax ra
