Okla. Stat. tit. 45, § 45-745.18: Impoundments of water on mining sites

The operator may create, if authorized in the approved mining

and reclamation plan and permit, permanent impoundments of water on

mining sites as part of reclamation activities only when it is

adequately demonstrated that:

1. The size of the impoundment is adequate for its intended

purposes;

2. The impoundment dam construction will be so designed as to

achieve necessary stability with an adequate margin of safety

compatible with that of structures constructed under Public Law 83-

566 (16 U.S.C. 1006);

3. The quality of impounded water will be suitable on a

permanent basis for its intended use and that discharges from the

impoundment will not degrade the water quality below water quality

standards established pursuant to applicable federal and state law

in the receiving stream;

4. The level of water will be reasonably stable;

5. Final grading will provide adequate safety and access for

proposed water users; and

6. Such water impoundments will not result in the diminution of

the quality or quantity of water utilized by adjacent or surrounding

landowners for agricultural, industrial, recreational or domestic

uses.