Iowa mining rules define and address land collapse

The mining-law definitions describe affected land and mining-related subsidence, meaning land collapse, settling, or sinking. Affected land includes land disturbed by mining, including processing and stockpile areas, but excludes roads. Subsidence covers collapse over an underground mine on public land or within a public right-of-way. Subsidence must be caused by mining activity. Naturally occurring collapse and collapse caused by geological, hydrological, seismic, environmental, or other unrelated causes are excluded.

The soil conservation and water quality division must adopt rules regulating land affected by subsidence. The rules apply to land affected by subsidence as defined for underground mines on public land or within a public right-of-way. The rules must address reporting subsidence, the qualifications of an engineer or other qualified person who submits a repair plan, and how quickly planned repairs must be completed. The division must adopt emergency rules and submit them for administrative review and publication as a notice of intended action. The Act takes effect upon enactment. Emergency rules must be adopted and submitted within 60 business days after that effective date, and they take effect when filed unless the rules set a later date.