Chapter 16.28
MINING
Sections:
16.28.030 General regulations.
16.28.040 Regulations – Setbacks and buffers.
16.28.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to establish management policies which rigidly control the operation of the excavation of sand and other minerals, as well as gravel pits and to identify and classify, in accordance with the Growth Management Act, mineral resource lands from which the extraction of minerals can be anticipated. (Ord. 98-20 § 15, 1998)
16.28.020 Applicability.
Mining is the removal and primary processing of naturally occurring materials from the earth for economic use. For purposes of this definition, “processing” includes screening, crushing and stockpiling, all of which utilize materials removed from the site where the processing activity is located. Mining activities also include in-water dredging activities related to mineral extraction. Processing does not include general manufacturing, such as the manufacture of molded or cast concrete or asphalt products, asphalt mining operations, or concrete batching operations. (Ord. 98-20 § 15, 1998)
16.28.030 General regulations.
A. Excavation of sand, gravel and other minerals shall be done in strict conformance to the Washington State Surface Mining Reclamation Act (Chapter 78.44 RCW) and applicable provisions of this code and other regulations.
B. Mining operations shall comply with all local, state and federal water quality standards and pollution control laws. Operations shall utilize effective techniques to prevent or minimize surface water runoff, erosion and sedimentation, prevent reduction of natural flows, protect all areas from acidic or toxic materials, and maintain the natural drainage courses of all streams. Surface water runoff shall be impounded as necessary to prevent accelerated runoff and erosion.
C. Overburden, mining debris and tailings shall not be placed in water bodies or floodways and shall be stored and protected in such a manner so as to prevent or minimize erosion or seepage to surface waters and groundwaters.
D. If substantial evidence indicates that mining operations are causing, or continuation of operation would cause, significant adverse impacts to water quality or to the geohydraulic functioning of a stream, the city may terminate the mining permit or impose further conditions on the mining operation.
E. In no case shall mining operations impair lateral support and thereby result in earth movements extending beyond the boundaries of the site.
F. Precautions shall be taken to insure that the stagnant or standing water, especially that of a toxic or noxious nature, does not develop, and that flooding and evaporation will not lead to the stranding of fish in open pits. (Ord. 98-20 § 15, 1998)
16.28.040 Regulations – Setbacks and buffers.
A. Mining activities shall be set back a sufficient distance from water bodies and wetlands to minimize erosion, protect water quality from all possible sources of pollution, and preserve the natural vegetation and aesthetics of the environment.
B. Mining equipment, works, and structures shall be sited and stored as far landward as feasible from the ordinary high water mark. Any facilities located within the 100-year floodplain must be able to withstand a 100-year flood without becoming hazardous. (Ord. 98-20 § 15, 1998)
16.28.050 Reclamation.
A. Reclamation plans are required to be submitted with each permit application and shall provide for reclamation of the site into a use which is permitted by the city and shall also indicate when reclamation shall occur.
B. Suitable drainage systems approved by the city engineer shall be installed and maintained if natural, gradual drainage is not possible. Such systems should collect, treat and release surface runoff so as to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
C. To the extent possible, topography of the site shall be restored to the contours existing prior to mining activity. Contours of the reclaimed site shall be compatible with the surrounding land and/or shoreline area.
D. All banks, slopes and excavation areas containing unconsolidated materials shall be sloped to no steeper than two and one-half feet horizontal to one foot vertical. All slopes shall be sodded or surfaced with appropriate soil to at least the depth of the surrounding, undisturbed soil and subsequently revegetated.
E. Revegetation shall consist of compatible, native self-sustaining trees, shrubs, legumes or grasses.
F. All toxic and acid-forming mining refuse and materials shall be either treated so as to be nonpolluting prior to on-site disposal, or removed and disposed of away from shoreline areas.
G. The amount of land and/or shoreline area being excavated or lying disturbed and unreclaimed at any time without simultaneous reclamation being undertaken shall not exceed 10 acres. (Ord. 98-20 § 15, 1998)