§ 18.04.010. Purpose and intent.

A.

The purpose of this chapter is to implement and supplement the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) (Public Resources Code Section 2710 et seq.) and to that end the board of supervisors finds and declares that:

1.

The extraction of minerals is essential to the continued economic well-being of the county and to the needs of the society, and that the reclamation of mined lands is necessary to prevent or minimize adverse effects on the environment and to protect the public health and safety;

2.

The reclamation of mined lands as provided in this chapter will permit the continued mining of minerals and will provide for the protection and subsequent beneficial use of the mined and reclaimed land;

3.

Surface mining takes place in diverse areas where the geologic, topographic, climatic, biological and social conditions are significantly different and that reclamation operations and the specifications therefor may vary accordingly. (PRC Section 2774(a))

B.

It is the intent of the board of supervisors to create and maintain an effective and comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with regulation of surface mining operations so as to assure that:

1.

Adverse environmental effects are prevented or minimized and that mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition which is readily adaptable for alternative land uses;

2.

The production and conservation of minerals are encouraged, while giving consideration to values relating to recreation, watershed, wildlife, range and forage, and aesthetic enjoyment;

3.

Residual hazards to the public health and safety are eliminated; (PRC Sections 2711 and 2712)

4.

Surface mining operations that comply with applicable ordinances and policies are recognized and protected.

(Ord. 95-6 § 2 (part), 1995)