(225 ILCS 715/2) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 4502)
Sec. 2.
Statement of policy.
It is declared to be the policy of this State to provide for
conservation and reclamation of lands affected by surface mining in
order to restore them to optimum future productive use and to provide
for their return to productive use including but not limited to: the
planting of forests; the seeding of grasses and legumes for grazing
purposes; the planting of crops for harvest; the enhancement of wildlife
and aquatic resources; the establishment of recreational, residential
and industrial sites; and for the conservation, development, management,
and appropriate use of all the natural resources of such areas for
compatible multiple purposes, to aid in maintaining or improving the tax
base; and protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the
people, the natural beauty and aesthetic values, and enhancement of the
environment in the affected areas of the State; to prevent erosion,
stream pollution, water, air and land pollution and other injurious
effects to persons, property, wildlife and natural resources; and to
assure that conservation and reclamation plans for all surface mining
activity are available for the prior consideration of county governments
within whose jurisdiction such lands will be affected by surface mining
and to permit participation and authorize cooperation and coordination with
the federal government in initial regulatory programs under the federal
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87, Title
30, USC Sec. 1201 et seq.
The issuance of a permit under this Act to engage in the surface mining
of any resources other than fossil fuels is not intended to relieve the
permittee from its duty to comply with other applicable
state and local law regulating the commencement, location and operation
of surface mining facilities.
(Source: P.A. 82-114.)
|