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Information Center (800) 917-0043 or help@oria.wa.gov
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Surface Mining Reclamation PermitWhat is the Purpose of this Permit?A Surface Mine Reclamation Permit is required for each mine that: (1) results in more than 3 acres of mine-related disturbance, or (2) has a high-wall that is both higher than 30 feet and steeper than 45 degrees. To ensure high quality reclamation after mining, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires a reclamation plan that specifies the operators' methods for achieving the following reclamation goals:
What Activities Require this Permit?Surface mining. A reclamation permit is required by DNR for each surface mine that:
How Much Will this Permit Cost?A new or expanded permit is charged $2,500 and a revised permit is charged a $1000 application fee. An annual fee of either $1,250, $2,500, or $3,500, based on a three tiered scale system tied to the annual production tonnage mined, is charged to permit holders. Permit holders are required to post an adequate performance security prior to issuance of a permit for the estimated cost to reclaim the upcoming 36 months of planned mining disturbance and any previously disturbed areas that have not been reclaimed. DNR's general performance security estimate rate is set at $19,500 for the initial 3 acres of disturbance and $4,000 an acre for every additional acre of mining disturbance.Where Can I Get the Application for this Permit?The application which is called 'Form SM-8A: Application for Surface Mining Reclamation Permit' is online and can be accessed at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/energy-mining-and-minerals/rules-regulations-and-forms.Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?A complete permit application submittal includes:
Is the Decision on my Permit Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?Issues related to other federal, state, and local permits as well as immitigable adverse environmental factors could affect whether DNR can issue a reclamation permit.How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?The estimates of application completion and permit decision (processing) times shall be based upon actual data for calendar year 2015 and will be available by March 1, 2016.Where do I Submit my Application?Department of Natural ResourcesGeology and Earth Resources Division 1111 Washington Street SE PO Box 47007 Olympia, WA 98504-7007 How Long is my Permit Valid?The reclamation permit shall be granted for the period required to deplete essentially all minerals identified in the reclamation permit on the land covered by the reclamation plan. The reclamation permit shall be valid until the reclamation is complete unless the permit is canceled by DNR.What is the Appeal Process for the Permit?If the department refuses to approve a complete reclamation plan within 120 days, the miner or permit holder may appeal this determination to the Pollutions Control Hearings Board.Notes / Comments:A regulatory guide specific to surface mining, titled "Surface Mining in Washington: Regulatory Responsibilities of Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies" is available from DNR, Division of Geology and Earth Resources and regional offices. Additional literature and guides to reclamation are also available.Permit Timeliness ResultsPermit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2018-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf. All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data: Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 71 Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1091 Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition) Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 457 Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1646 (Summary results based on 25 submittals in 2019) Where can I get permitting assistance?Web page URL:http://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/energy-mining-and-minerals/rules-regulations-and-forms Helpdesk phone: (360) 902-1450 Subject matter expert phone: (360) 902-1465 Subject matter expert email: tara.salzer@dnr.wa.gov Statewide Contact:Geology and Earth Resources Division Headquarters 1111 Washington Street SE PO Box 47007 Olympia, WA 98504-7007 Telephone: (360) 902-1450 Fax: (360) 902-1785 Website: * Permit information last updated 8/22/2016 [v2] |
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