RCW 78.44.131
Reclamation specifics—Basic objective—Modifications for metals mining and milling operations—Timeline.
The need for, and the practicability of, reclamation shall control the type and degree of reclamation in any specific instance. However, the basic objective of reclamation is to reestablish on a continuing basis the vegetative cover, slope stability, water conditions, and safety conditions suitable to the proposed subsequent use consistent with local land use plans for the surface mine site.
Each permit holder shall comply with the minimum reclamation standards in effect on the date the permit was issued and any additional reclamation standards set forth in the approved reclamation plan. The department may modify, on a site specific basis, the minimum reclamation standards for metals mining and milling operations regulated under chapter 232, Laws of 1994 in order to achieve the reclamation and closure objectives of that chapter. The basic objective of reclamation for these operations is the reestablishment on a continuing basis of vegetative cover, slope stability, water conditions, and safety conditions.
Reclamation activities, particularly those relating to control of erosion and mitigation of impacts of mining to adjacent areas, shall, to the extent feasible, be conducted simultaneously with surface mining, and in any case shall be initiated at the earliest possible time after completion of surface mining on any segment of the permit area.
All reclamation activities shall be completed not more than two years after completion or abandonment of surface mining on each segment of the area for which a reclamation permit is in force.
The department may by contract delegate enforcement of provisions of reclamation plans to counties, cities, and towns. A county, city, or town performing enforcement functions may not impose any additional fees on permit holders.
[ 1994 c 232 § 24; 1993 c 518 § 20.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 232 §§ 1-5, 9-17, and 23-31: See RCW 78.56.901.
Captions—Severability—Effective date—1993 c 518: See notes following RCW 78.44.010.
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.