The ERP regulates activities in, on, or over, wetlands and other surface waters. It regulates the creation or alteration of water bodies, including old mine pits. It may also be required for the creation of impervious areas, and for certain projects exclusively in uplands. These permits focus on how the activity will affect wetlands, water quality, and water quantity. They also consider how changes to wetlands affect wildlife.
Reclamation means the reasonable rehabilitation of land where resource extraction has occurred.
Areas disturbed by mining operations and subject to the reclamation requirements, must be reclaimed after mining is complete. Debris, litter, junk, worn-out or unusable equipment or materials must be appropriately disposed. The land must be recontoured and stabilized to control erosion. Bare areas must be revegetated. Prior to mining, the operator must provide a conceptual mining and reclamation plan, or a reclamation notice.