For the purpose of this chapter, the term
"Impound water" means to impound water for use in carrying out any part of the process necessary in the production or preparation of minerals.
"Refuse" means waste material resulting from a mineral mining operation.
"Silt" means fine particles resulting from a mineral mining operation, suspended in or deposited by water.
"Water" means water used in mining operations.
1997, c. 390.