approximate original contour
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Case Law, U.S. Code
Definitions from Case Law
United States Supreme Court
that surface configuration achieved by backfilling and grading of the mined area so that the reclaimed area, including any terracing or access roads, closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining and blends into and complements the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain, with all highwalls and spoil piles eliminated.
Defined by the Supreme Court in Hodel v. Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association Inc Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association Inc, 452 U.S. 264 (1981).
United States Code
30 U.S.C. § 1291 — for the purposes of this chapter (3 versions over time)
"approximate original contour" means that surface configuration achieved by backfilling and grading of the mined area so that the reclaimed area, including any terracing or access roads, closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining and blends into and complements the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain, with all highwalls and spoil piles eliminated; water impoundments may be permitted where the regulatory authority determines that they are in compliance with section 1265(b)(8) of this title;