RCW 78.44.010
Legislative finding.
The legislature recognizes that the extraction of minerals by surface mining is an essential activity making an important contribution to the economic well-being of the state and nation. It is not possible to extract minerals without producing some environmental impacts. At the same time, comprehensive regulation of mining and thorough reclamation of mined lands is necessary to prevent or mitigate conditions that would be detrimental to the environment and to protect the general welfare, health, safety, and property rights of the citizens of the state. Surface mining takes place in diverse areas where the geologic, topographic, climatic, biologic, and social conditions are significantly different, and reclamation specifications must vary accordingly. Therefore, the legislature finds that a balance between appropriate environmental regulation and the production and conservation of minerals is in the best interests of the citizens of the state.
[ 1993 c 518 § 2; 1970 ex.s. c 64 § 2.]
NOTES:
Captions—1993 c 518: "Captions used in this act do not constitute any part of the law." [ 1993 c 518 § 41.]
Severability—1993 c 518: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1993 c 518 § 43.]
Effective date—1993 c 518: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993." [ 1993 c 518 § 44.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 78 - Mines, Minerals, and Petroleum
Chapter 78.44 - Surface Mining.
78.44.010 - Legislative finding.
78.44.040 - Administration of chapter—Rule-making authority.
78.44.045 - Surface mining reclamation account.
78.44.055 - Surface mining of coal—Preemption of chapter by federal laws, programs.
78.44.060 - Investigations, research, etc.—Dissemination of information.
78.44.070 - Cooperation with other agencies—Receipt and expenditure of funds.
78.44.081 - Reclamation permits required—Applications.
78.44.083 - Reclamation permit—Refusal to issue.
78.44.085 - Application fee—Annual permit fee—Confidential records—Appeals—Collection of fees.
78.44.087 - Performance security required—Department authority.
78.44.091 - Reclamation plans—Approval process.
78.44.101 - Joint reclamation plans may be required.
78.44.111 - Segmental reclamation—Primary objective.
78.44.121 - Reclamation setbacks—Exemption.
78.44.141 - Reclamation—Minimum standards—Waiver.
78.44.151 - Reclamation plans—Modification, when required—SEPA.
78.44.171 - Reclamation—Transfer of permits.
78.44.181 - Reclamation—Report by permit holder on anniversary date.
78.44.190 - Deficiencies—Order to rectify—Time extension.
78.44.210 - Suspension of a reclamation permit.
78.44.220 - Declaration of abandonment—Reclamation—Subsequent miner.
78.44.230 - Abandonment—Cancellation of the reclamation permit.
78.44.240 - Reclamation by the department—Order to submit performance security—Cost recovery.
78.44.250 - Fines—Civil penalties—Damage recovery.
78.44.260 - Operating without permit—Penalty.
78.44.280 - Underground operation—Surface disturbances subject to chapter.
78.44.300 - Reclamation awards—Recognition of excellence.
78.44.310 - Reclamation consulting—No cost service.
78.44.320 - Definitions applicable to RCW 78.44.330.
78.44.330 - Mineral trespass—Penalty.
78.44.340 - Mineral trespass—Limitation on application.
78.44.350 - Blanket performance security.
78.44.370 - Notice of correction.
78.44.390 - Cancellation of a reclamation permit.