In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Affected land” has the meaning stated in Environment Article, §15-801, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Borrow pit” has the meaning stated in Environment Article, §15-801, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Mineral” has the meaning stated in Environment Article, §15-801, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Overburden” has the meaning stated in Environment Article, §15-801, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Reclamation” means: The protection of a natural resource that is located in an area adjacent to a surface mining activity, including a forest, wildlife habitat, waterbody, and wetland; and The reasonable rehabilitation of affected land for a useful purpose. “Spoil pile” has the meaning stated in Environment Article, §15-801, Annotated Code of Maryland. Surface Mining. “Surface mining” means: The breaking of surface soil located in the Critical Area in order to extract or remove a mineral; An activity or process that is part of the method of extraction or removal of a mineral from its original location in the Critical Area; and The extraction or removal of sand, gravel, rock, stone, earth, or fill from a borrow pit for the purpose of constructing a road or another public facility. “Surface mining” includes: An activity related to the processing of a mineral at the site of extraction or removal; Extraction or removal of overburden and mining of a limited amount of a mineral when done for the purpose of prospecting, to the extent necessary, for the purpose of determining the location, quantity, or quality of a natural deposit; and A mining activity. “Surface mining” does not include an activity or process that is excluded under the provisions of Environment Article, §15-807, Annotated Code of Maryland, or COMAR 26.21.01.08. Wash Plant. “Wash plant” means a facility where sand or gravel is washed during processing. “Wash plant” includes a stockpile, a wash pond, and related washing equipment.