Bluestone Exploration and Mining
A bluestone quarry in New York State may need a Mined Land Reclamation Permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Since September 1, 1991 any person who engages in mining or who proposes to mine from a mine site more than 1,000 tons or 750 cubic yards, whichever is less, of minerals from the earth within twelve successive calendar months or who proposes to mine more than 100 cubic yards of minerals from or adjacent to any body of water not subject to the jurisdiction of Article 15 of the Environmental Conservation Law must first obtain a permit from DEC.
Since March 3, 1999 a small-scale bluestone mining application has been available to operators of bluestone mines that will not exceed 5 acres in size.
Since October 2002, a Bluestone Exploration Authorization has been required to explore for bluestone. The portion of the Mined Land Reclamation Law which provides for the Bluestone Exploration Authorization mandates that before March 15, 2008, the Department submit a Report to the Governor and Legislature Regarding Bluestone Mining Exploration in the State (PDF 909 Kb) The report lists the sites and their locations, any detrimental environmental impacts, and an assessment of the environmental benefits from the exploration authorization provision.
Overburden stripping is included as mining when calculating the total amount mined from each site. Disturbing or stripping of overburden at a site is mining.
Penalties - Persons engaged in mining bluestone or stripping of overburden to reach bluestone deposits, without a permit, are subject to penalties. Penalties of $5,000 per violation and an additional penalty of $1,000 for each day the violation continues, may be assessed.
The only way to be sure you are fully informed of all permit requirements, and are not liable for penalties, is to contact DEC before you start to remove any overburden or mine any bluestone.
Contact a DEC Mined Land Reclamation Specialist for more information:
Region 3 (845) 256 - 3128
Region 4 (518) 357 - 2162
Region 7 (315) 426 - 7461
