H-1808

AN ACT Relating to mining and milling operations; amending RCW 78.56.010, 78.56.020, 78.56.030, 78.56.050, 78.56.060, 78.56.070, 78.56.080, 78.56.090, 78.56.100, 78.56.110, 78.56.120, 78.56.130, 78.44.131, 78.44.161, and 78.44.045; adding new sections to chapter 78.56 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 78.44 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 78.56 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The metals mining and milling operations subchapter applies to all metals mining and milling operations as defined in RCW 78.56.020. The surface mining of precious and base metal ores subchapter applies to metals mining and milling operations that are also surface mines as defined in section 17 of this act.

(2) The legislature intends that chapter 78.44 RCW not apply to the mining and milling operations under this chapter, except for the surface mining reclamation account under RCW 78.44.045.

Sec. 2. RCW 78.56.010 and 1994 c 232 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

It is in the best interests of the citizens of the state of Washington to insure the highest degree of environmental protection while allowing the proper development and use of its natural resources, including its mineral resources. Metals mining can have significant positive and adverse impacts on the state and on local communities. The purpose of this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter is to assure that metals mineral mining or milling operations are designed, constructed, and operated in a manner that promotes both economic opportunities and environmental and public health safeguards for the citizens of the state. It is the intent of the legislature to create a regulatory framework which yields, to the greatest extent possible, a metals mining industry that is compatible with these policies.

Sec. 3. RCW 78.56.020 and 1994 c 232 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter.

(1) "Metals mining and milling operation" means a mining operation extracting from the earth precious or base metal ore and processing the ore by treatment or concentration in a milling facility. It also refers to an expansion of an existing operation or any new metals mining operation if the expansion or new mining operation is likely to result in a significant, adverse environmental impact pursuant to the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW. The extraction of dolomite, sand, gravel, aggregate, limestone, magnesite, silica rock, and zeolite or other nonmetallic minerals; and placer mining; and the smelting of aluminum are not metals mining and milling operations regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter.

(2) "Milling" means the process of grinding or crushing ore and extracting the base or precious metal by chemical solution, electro winning, or flotation processes.

(3) "Heap leach extraction process" in regard to a metals mining and milling operation means the process of extracting base or precious metal ore by percolating solutions through ore in an open system and includes reprocessing of previously milled ore. The heap leach extraction process does not include leaching in a vat or tank.

(4) "In situ extraction" in regard to a metals mining and milling operation means the process of dissolving base or precious metals from their natural place in the geological setting and retrieving the solutions from which metals can be recovered.

(5) "Regulated substances" means any materials regulated under a waste discharge permit pursuant to the requirements of chapter 90.48 RCW and/or a permit issued pursuant to chapter 70.94 RCW.

(6) "To mitigate" in regard to a metals mining and milling operation means: (a) To avoid the adverse impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action; (b) to minimize adverse impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by using appropriate technology or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts; (c) to rectify adverse impacts by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; (d) to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action; (e) to compensate for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments; or (f) to monitor the adverse impact and take appropriate corrective measures.

Sec. 4. RCW 78.56.030 and 1994 c 232 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Metals mining and milling operations are subject to the requirements of this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter in addition to the requirements established in other statutes and rules.

Sec. 5. RCW 78.56.050 and 1994 c 232 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) An environmental impact statement must be prepared for any proposed metals mining and milling operation. The department of ecology shall be the lead agency in coordinating the environmental review process under chapter 43.21C RCW and in preparing the environmental impact statement, except for uranium and thorium operations regulated under Title 70 RCW.

(2) As part of the environmental review of metals mining and milling operations regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter, the applicant shall provide baseline data adequate to document the premining conditions at the proposed site of the metals mining and milling operation. The baseline data shall contain information on the elements of the natural environment identified in rules adopted pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW.

(3) The department of ecology, after consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, shall incorporate measures to mitigate significant probable adverse impacts to fish and wildlife as part of the department of ecology's permit requirements for the proposed operation.

(4) In conducting the environmental review and preparing the environmental impact statement, the department of ecology shall cooperate with all affected local governments to the fullest extent practicable.

Sec. 6. RCW 78.56.060 and 1994 c 232 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of ecology will appoint a metals mining coordinator. The coordinator will maintain current information on the status of any metals mining and milling operation regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter from the preparation of the environmental impact statement through the permitting, construction, operation, and reclamation phases of the project or until the proposal is no longer active. The coordinator shall also maintain current information on postclosure activities. The coordinator will act as a contact person for the applicant, the operator, and interested members of the public. The coordinator may also assist agencies with coordination of their inspection and monitoring responsibilities.

Sec. 7. RCW 78.56.070 and 1994 c 232 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) State agencies with the responsibility for inspecting metals mining and milling operations regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter shall conduct such inspections at least quarterly: PROVIDED, That the inspections are not prevented by inclement weather conditions.

(2) The legislature encourages state agencies with inspection responsibilities for metals mining and milling operations regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter to explore opportunities for cross-training of inspectors among state agencies and programs. This cross-training would be for the purpose of meeting the inspection responsibilities of these agencies in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. If doing so would be more efficient and cost-effective, state agency inspectors are also encouraged to coordinate inspections with federal and local government inspectors as well as with one another.

Sec. 8. RCW 78.56.080 and 1994 c 232 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The metals mining account is created in the state treasury. Expenditures from this account are subject to appropriation. Expenditures from this account may only be used for: (a) The additional inspections of metals mining and milling operations required by RCW 78.56.070 and (b) the metals mining coordinator established in RCW 78.56.060.

(2)(a) As part of its normal budget development process and in consultation with the metals mining industry, the department of ecology shall estimate the costs required for the department to meet its obligations for the additional inspections of metals mining and milling operations required by chapter 232, Laws of 1994. The department shall also estimate the cost of employing the metals mining coordinator established in RCW 78.56.060.

(b) As part of its normal budget development process and in consultation with the metals mining industry, the department of natural resources shall estimate the costs required for the department to meet its obligations for the additional inspections of metals mining and milling operations required by chapter 232, Laws of 1994.

(3) Based on the cost estimates generated by the department of ecology and the department of natural resources, the department of revenue shall establish the amount of a fee to be paid by each active metals mining and milling operation regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter. The fee shall be established at a level to fully recover the direct and indirect costs of the agency responsibilities identified in subsection (2) of this section. The amount of the fee for each operation shall be proportional to the number of visits required per site. Each applicant for a metals mining and milling operation shall also be assessed the fee based on the same criterion. The department of revenue may adjust the fees established in this subsection if unanticipated activity in the industry increases or decreases the amount of funding necessary to meet agencies' inspection responsibilities.

(4) The department of revenue shall collect the fees established in subsection (3) of this section. Chapter 82.32 RCW, insofar as applicable, applies to the fees imposed under this section. All moneys paid to the department of revenue from these fees shall be deposited into the metals mining account.

(5) This section shall take effect July 1, 1995, unless the legislature adopts an alternative approach based on the recommendations of the metals mining advisory group established in section 27, chapter 232, Laws of 1994.

Sec. 9. RCW 78.56.090 and 1994 c 232 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In the processing of an application for an initial waste discharge permit for a tailings facility pursuant to the requirements of chapter 90.48 RCW, the department of ecology shall consider site-specific criteria in determining a preferred location of tailings facilities of metals mining and milling operations and incorporate the requirements of all known available and reasonable methods in order to maintain the highest possible standards to insure the purity of all waters of the state in accordance with the public policy identified by RCW 90.48.010.

In implementing the siting criteria, the department of ecology shall take into account the objectives of the proponent's application relating to mining and milling operations. These objectives shall consist of, but not be limited to (a) operational feasibility, (b) compatibility with optimum tailings placement methods, (c) adequate volume capacity, (d) availability of construction materials, and (e) an optimized embankment volume.

(2) To meet the mandate of subsection (1) of this section, siting of tailings facilities shall be accomplished through a two-stage process that consists of a primary alternatives screening phase, and a secondary technical site investigation phase.

(3) The primary screening phase will consist of, but not be limited to, siting criteria based on considerations as to location as follows:

(a) Proximity to the one hundred year flood plain, as indicated in the most recent federal emergency management agency maps;

(b) Proximity to surface and ground water;

(d) Identifiable adverse geologic conditions, such as landslides and active faults; and

(e) Visibility impacts of the public generally and residents more particularly.

(4) The department of ecology, through the primary screening process, shall reduce the available tailings facility sites to one or more feasible locations whereupon a technical site investigation phase shall be conducted by the department for the purpose of verifying the adequacy of the remaining potential sites. The technical site investigations phase shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Soil characteristics;

(b) Hydrologic characteristics;

(d) A surface water control analysis; and

(e) A slope stability analysis.

(5) Upon completion of the two phase evaluation process set forth in this section, the department of ecology shall issue a site selection report on the preferred location. This report shall address the above criteria as well as analyze the feasibility of reclamation and stabilization of the tailings facility. The siting report may recommend mitigation or engineering factors to address siting concerns. The report shall be developed in conjunction with the preparation of and contained in an environmental impact statement prepared pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW. The report may be utilized by the department of ecology for the purpose of providing information related to the suitability of the site and for ruling on an application for a waste discharge permit.

(6) The department of ecology may, at its discretion, require the applicant to provide the information required in either phase one or phase two as described in subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

Sec. 10. RCW 78.56.100 and 1994 c 232 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to receive a waste discharge permit from the department of ecology pursuant to the requirements of chapter 90.48 RCW or in order to operate a metals mining and milling tailing facility, an applicant proposing a metals mining and milling operation regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter must meet the following additional requirements:

(a) Any tailings facility shall be designed and operated to prevent the release of pollution and must meet the following standards:

(i) Operators shall apply all known available and reasonable technology to limit the concentration of potentially toxic materials in the tailings facility to assure the protection of wildlife and human health;

(ii) The tailings facility shall have a containment system that includes an engineered liner system, leak detection and leak collection elements, and a seepage collection impoundment to assure that a leak of any regulated substance under chapter 90.48 RCW will be detected before escaping from the containment system. The design and management of the facility must ensure that any leaks from the tailings facility are detected in a manner which allows for remediation pursuant to chapter 90.48 RCW. The applicant shall prepare a detailed engineering report setting forth the facility design and construction. The applicant shall submit the report to the department of ecology for its review and approval of a design as determined by the department. Natural conditions, such as depth to ground water or net rainfall, shall be taken into account in the facility design, but not in lieu of the protection required by the engineered liner system;

(iii) The toxicity of mine or mill tailings and the potential for long-term release of regulated substances from mine or mill tailings shall be reduced to the greatest extent practicable through stabilization, removal, or reuse of the substances; and

(iv) The closure of the tailings facility shall provide for isolation or containment of potentially toxic materials and shall be designed to prevent future release of regulated substances contained in the impoundment;

(b) The applicant must develop a waste rock management plan approved by the department of ecology and the department of natural resources which emphasizes pollution prevention. At a minimum, the plan must contain the following elements:

(i) An accurate identification of the acid generating properties of the waste rock;

(ii) A strategy for encapsulating potentially toxic material from the environment, when appropriate, in order to prevent the release of heavy metals and acidic drainage; and

(iii) A plan for reclaiming and closing waste rock sites which minimizes infiltration of precipitation and runoff into the waste rock and which is designed to prevent future releases of regulated substances contained within the waste rock;

(c) If an interested citizen or citizen group so requests of the department of ecology, the metals mining and milling operator or applicant shall work with the department of ecology and the interested party to make arrangements for citizen observation and verification in the taking of required water samples. While it is the intent of this subsection to provide for citizen observation and verification of water sampling activities, it is not the intent of this subsection to require additional water sampling and analysis on the part of the mining and milling operation or the department. The citizen observation and verification program shall be incorporated into the applicant's, operator's, or department's normal sampling regimen and shall occur at least once every six months. There is no duty of care on the part of the state or its employees to any person who participates in the citizen observation and verification of water sampling under chapter 232, Laws of 1994 and the state and its employees shall be immune from any civil lawsuit based on any injuries to or claims made by any person as a result of that person's participation in such observation and verification of water sampling activities. The metals mining and milling operator or applicant shall not be liable for any injuries to or claims made by any person which result from that person coming onto the property of the metals mining and milling operator or applicant as an observer pursuant to chapter 232, Laws of 1994. The results from these and all other relevant water sampling activities shall be kept on file with the relevant county and shall be available for public inspection during normal working hours; and

(d) An operator or applicant for a metals mining and milling operation must complete a voluntary reduction plan in accordance with RCW 70.95C.200.

(2) Only those tailings facilities constructed after April 1, 1994, must meet the requirement established in subsection (1)(a) of this section. Only those waste rock holdings constructed after April 1, 1994, must meet the requirement established in subsection (1)(b) of this section.

Sec. 11. RCW 78.56.110 and 1995 c 223 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department of ecology shall not issue necessary permits to an applicant for a metals mining and milling operation until the applicant has deposited with the department of ecology a performance security which is acceptable to the department of ecology based on the requirements of subsection (2) of this section. This performance security may be:

(a) Bank letters of credit;

(b) A cash deposit;

(d) An assignment of a savings account;

(e) A savings certificate in a Washington bank; or

(f) A corporate surety bond executed in favor of the department of ecology by a corporation authorized to do business in the state of Washington under Title 48 RCW.

The department of ecology may, for any reason, refuse any performance security not deemed adequate.

(2) The performance security shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of the applicant or operator in meeting the following obligations:

(a) Compliance with the environmental protection laws of the state of Washington administered by the department of ecology, or permit conditions administered by the department of ecology, associated with the construction, operation, and closure pertaining to metals mining and milling operations, and with the related environmental protection ordinances and permit conditions established by local government when requested by local government;

(b) Reclamation of metals mining and milling operations that do not meet the threshold of a surface ((~~mining~~)) mine as defined by ((~~RCW 78.44.031(17)~~)) section 17 of this act;

(d) Provision of sufficient funding as determined by the department of ecology for cleanup of potential problems revealed during or after closure.

(3) The department of ecology may, if it deems appropriate, adopt rules for determining the amount of the performance security, requirements for the performance security, requirements for the issuer of the performance security, and any other requirements necessary for the implementation of this section.

(4) The department of ecology may increase or decrease the amount of the performance security at any time to compensate for any alteration in the operation that affects meeting the obligations in subsection (2) of this section. At a minimum, the department shall review the adequacy of the performance security every two years.

(5) Liability under the performance security shall be maintained until the obligations in subsection (2) of this section are met to the satisfaction of the department of ecology. Liability under the performance security may be released only upon written notification by the department of ecology.

(6) Any interest or appreciation on the performance security shall be held by the department of ecology until the obligations in subsection (2) of this section have been met to the satisfaction of the department of ecology. At such time, the interest shall be remitted to the applicant or operator. However, if the applicant or operator fails to comply with the obligations of subsection (2) of this section, the interest or appreciation may be used by the department of ecology to comply with the obligations.

(7) Only one agency may require a performance security to satisfy the deposit requirements of ((~~RCW 78.44.087~~)) section 26 of this act, and only one agency may require a performance security to satisfy the deposit requirements of this section. However, a single performance security, when acceptable to both the department of ecology and the department of natural resources, may be utilized by both agencies to satisfy the requirements of this section and ((~~RCW 78.44.087~~)) section 26 of this act.

Sec. 12. RCW 78.56.120 and 1995 c 223 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of ecology may, with staff, equipment, and material under its control, or by contract with others, remediate or mitigate any impact of a metals mining and milling operation when it finds that the operator or permit holder has failed to comply with relevant statutes, rules, or permits, and the operator or permit holder has failed to take adequate or timely action to rectify these impacts.

If the department of ecology intends to remediate or mitigate such impacts, the department of ecology shall issue an order to submit performance security requiring the permit holder or surety to submit to the department of ecology the amount of moneys posted pursuant to RCW 78.56.110. If the amount specified in the order to submit performance security is not paid within twenty days after issuance of the notice, the attorney general upon request of the department of ecology shall bring an action on behalf of the state in a superior court to recover the amount specified and associated legal fees.

The department of ecology may proceed at any time after issuing the order to submit performance security to remediate or mitigate adverse impacts.

The department of ecology shall keep a record of all expenses incurred in carrying out any remediation or mitigation activities authorized under this section, including:

(1) Remediation or mitigation;

(2) A reasonable charge for the services performed by the state's personnel and the state's equipment and materials utilized; and

(3) Administrative and legal expenses related to remediation or mitigation.

The department of ecology shall refund to the surety or permit holder all amounts received in excess of the amount of expenses incurred. If the amount received is less than the expenses incurred, the attorney general, upon request of the department of ecology, may bring an action against the permit holder on behalf of the state in the superior court to recover the remaining costs listed in this section.

Sec. 13. RCW 78.56.130 and 1994 c 232 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The legislature finds that the construction and operation of large-scale metals mining and milling facilities may create new job opportunities and enhance local tax revenues. However, the legislature also finds that such operations may also result in new demands on public facilities owned and operated by local government entities, such as public streets and roads; publicly owned parks, open space, and recreation facilities; school facilities; and fire protection facilities in jurisdictions that are not part of a fire district. It is important for these economic impacts to be identified as part of any proposal for a large-scale metals mining and milling operation. It is then appropriate for the county legislative authority to balance expected revenues, including revenues derived from taxes paid by the owner of such an operation, and costs associated with the operation to determine to what degree any new costs require mitigation by the metals mining applicant.

(2) An applicant for a large-scale metals mining and milling operation regulated under this ((~~chapter~~)) subchapter must submit to the relevant county legislative authority an impact analysis describing the economic impact of the proposed mining operation on local governmental units. For the purposes of this section, a metals mining operation is large-scale if, in the construction or operation of the mine and the associated milling facility, the applicant and contractors at the site employ more than thirty-five persons during any consecutive six-month period. The relevant county is the county in which the mine and mill are to be sited, unless the economic impacts to local governmental units are projected to substantially affect more than one county. In that case, the impact plan must be submitted to the legislative authority of all affected counties. Local governmental units include counties, cities, towns, school districts, and special purpose districts.

(3) The economic impact analysis shall include at least the following information:

(a) A timetable for development of the mining operation, including the opening date of the operation and the estimated closing date;

(b) The estimated number of persons coming into the impacted area as a result of the development of the mining operation;

(c) An estimate of the increased capital and operating costs to local governmental units for providing services necessary as a result of the development of the mining operation; and

(d) An estimate of the increased tax or other revenues accruing to local governmental units as a result of development of the mining and milling operation.

(4) The county legislative authority of a county planning under chapter 36.70A RCW may assess impact fees under chapter 82.02 RCW to address economic impacts associated with development of the mining operation. The county legislative authority shall hold at least one public hearing on the economic impact analysis and any proposed mitigation measures.

(5) The county legislative authority of a county which is not planning under chapter 36.70A RCW may negotiate with the applicant on a strategy to address economic impacts associated with development of the mining operation. The county legislative authority shall hold at least one public hearing on the economic impact analysis and any proposed mitigation measures.

(6) The county legislative authority must approve or disapprove the impact analysis and any associated proposals from the applicant to address economic impacts to local governmental units resulting from development of the mining operation. If the applicant does not submit an adequate impact analysis to the relevant county legislative authority or if the county legislative authority does not find the applicant's proposals to be acceptable because of their failure to adequately mitigate adverse economic impacts, the county legislative authority shall refuse to issue any permits under its jurisdiction necessary for the construction or operation of the mine and associated mill.

(7) The requirements established in this section apply to metals mining operations under construction or constructed after April 1, 1994.

(8) The provisions of chapter 82.02 RCW shall apply to new mining and milling operations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. 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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. The legislature recognizes that the extraction of minerals from a surface mine has historically included regulatory involvement by both state and local governments.

It is the intent of the legislature to clarify that surface mining is an appropriate land use, subject to reclamation authority exercised by the department of natural resources and land use and operation regulatory authority by counties, cities, and towns.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. The purposes of this subchapter in regard to surface mines are to:

(1) Provide that the usefulness, productivity, and scenic values of all lands and waters involved in surface mining within the state will receive the greatest practical degree of protection and reclamation at the earliest opportunity following completion of surface mining;

(2) Provide for the greatest practical degree of state-wide consistency in the regulation of surface mines;

(3) Apportion regulatory authority between state and local governments in order to minimize redundant regulation of mining;

(4) Ensure that reclamation is consistent with local land use plans; and

(5) Ensure the power of local government to regulate land use and operations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 17. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter.

(1) "Approved subsequent use" means the post surface-mining land use contained in an approved reclamation plan and approved by the local land use authority.

(2) "Completion of surface mining" means the cessation of mining and directly related activities in any segment of a surface mine that occurs when essentially all minerals that can be taken under the terms of the reclamation permit have been depleted except materials required to accomplish reclamation according to the approved reclamation plan.

(3) "Department" means the department of natural resources.

(4) "Determination" means any action by the department including permit issuance, reporting, reclamation plan approval or modification, permit transfers, orders, fines, or refusal to issue permits.

(5) "Disturbed area" means any place where activities clearly in preparation for, or during, surface mining have physically disrupted, covered, compacted, moved, or otherwise altered the characteristics of soil, bedrock, vegetation, or topography that existed prior to such activity. Disturbed areas may include but are not limited to: Working faces, water bodies created by mine-related excavation, pit floors, the land beneath processing plant and stock pile sites, spoil pile sites, and equipment staging areas.

Disturbed areas do not include:

(a) Surface mine access roads unless these have characteristics of topography, drainage, slope stability, or ownership that, in the opinion of the department, make reclamation necessary; and

(b) Lands that have been reclaimed to all standards outlined in this subchapter, rules of the department, any applicable SEPA document, and the approved reclamation plan.

(6) "Miner" means any person or persons, any partnership, limited partnership, or corporation, or any association of persons, including every public or governmental agency engaged in mining from the surface.

(7) "Minerals" means precious or base metal ores to be excavated from natural deposits on or in the earth for commercial, industrial, or construction use. "Minerals" does not mean clay, coal, gravel, industrial minerals, peat, placer deposits, sand, stone, topsoil, or any other similar solid material or substance to be excavated from natural deposits on or in the earth for commercial, industrial, or construction use.

(8) "Operations" means all mine-related activities, exclusive of reclamation, that include, but are not limited to activities that affect noise generation, air quality, surface and ground water quality, quantity, and flow, glare, pollution, traffic safety, ground vibrations, and/or significant or substantial impacts commonly regulated under provisions of land use or other permits of local government and local ordinances, or other state laws.

Operations specifically include:

(a) The mining or extraction of rock, stone, gravel, sand, earth, and other minerals;

(b) Blasting, equipment maintenance, sorting, crushing, and loading;

(c) On-site mineral processing including asphalt or concrete batching, concrete recycling, and other aggregate recycling;

(d) Transporting minerals to and from the mine, on site road maintenance, road maintenance for roads used extensively for surface mining activities, traffic safety, and traffic control.

(9) "Overburden" means the earth, rock, soil, and topsoil that lie above mineral deposits.

(10) "Permit holder" means any person or persons, any partnership, limited partnership, or corporation, or any association of persons, either natural or artificial, including every public or governmental agency engaged in surface mining and/or the operation of surface mines, whether individually, jointly, or through subsidiaries, agents, employees, operators, or contractors who holds a state reclamation permit.

(11) "Reclamation" means rehabilitation for the appropriate future use of disturbed areas resulting from surface mining including areas under associated mineral processing equipment and areas under stockpiled materials. Although both the need for and the practicability of reclamation will control the type and degree of reclamation in any specific surface mine, the basic objective shall be to reestablish on a perpetual basis the vegetative cover, soil stability, and water conditions appropriate to the approved subsequent use of the surface mine and to prevent or mitigate future environmental degradation.

(12) "Reclamation setbacks" include those lands along the margins of surface mines wherein minerals and overburden shall be preserved in sufficient volumes to accomplish reclamation according to the approved plan and the minimum reclamation standards. Maintenance of reclamation setbacks may not preclude other mine-related activities within the reclamation setback.

(13) "Recycling" means the reuse of minerals or rock products.

(14) "Screening" consists of vegetation, berms or other topography, fencing, and/or other screens that may be required to mitigate impacts of surface mining on adjacent properties and/or the environment.

(15) "Segment" means any portion of the surface mine that, in the opinion of the department:

(a) Has characteristics of topography, drainage, slope stability, ownership, mining development, or mineral distribution, that make reclamation necessary;

(b) Is not in use as part of surface mining and/or related activities; and

(c) Is larger than seven acres and has more than five hundred linear feet of working face except as provided in a segmental reclamation agreement approved by the department.

(16) "SEPA" means the state environmental policy act, chapter 43.21C RCW and rules adopted thereunder.

(17)(a) "Surface mine" means any area or areas in close proximity to each other, as determined by the department, where extraction of minerals from the surface results in:

(i) More than three acres of disturbed area;

(ii) Mined slopes greater than thirty feet high and steeper than 1.0 foot horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical; or

(iii) More than one acre of disturbed area within an eight acre area, when the disturbed area results from mineral prospecting or exploration activities.

(b) "Surface mine" means areas where mineral extraction from the surface occurs by the auger method or by reworking mine refuse or tailings, when these activities exceed the size or height thresholds listed in (a) of this subsection.

(i) Primarily for on-site construction, on-site road maintenance, or on-site landfill construction;

(ii) For the purpose of public safety or restoring the land following a natural disaster;

(iii) For the purpose of removing stockpiles;

(iv) For forest or farm road construction or maintenance on site or on contiguous lands;

(v) For sand authorized by RCW 43.51.685; and

(vi) For underground mines.

(d) "Surface mine" does not mean the extraction of dolomite, aggregate, limestone, magnesite, silica rock, or zeolite or other nonmetallic minerals; placer mining; or smelting of aluminum.

(18) "Topsoil" means the naturally occurring upper part of a soil profile, including the soil horizon that is rich in humus and capable of supporting vegetation together with other sediments within four vertical feet of the ground surface.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 18. The department of natural resources is charged with the administration of reclamation under this subchapter. In order to implement and enforce the administration of reclamation, the department, under the chapter 34.05 RCW, may from time to time adopt those rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. Annual mining fees received by the department from surface mines, funds received by the department from state, local, or federal agencies for research on surface mines, as well as other mine-related funds and fines received by the department under this subchapter shall be deposited into the surface mine reclamation account under RCW 78.44.045.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 20. The department shall have the exclusive authority to regulate surface mine reclamation except that, by contractual agreement, the department may delegate some or all of its enforcement authority to a county, city, or town. All counties, cities, or towns shall have the authority to zone surface mines and adopt ordinances regulating operations, except that county, city, or town operations ordinances may be preempted by the department during the emergencies outlined in section 38 of this act and related rules.

This subchapter shall not alter or preempt any provisions of the state fisheries laws (Title 75 RCW), the state water allocation and use laws (chapters 90.03 and 90.44 RCW), the state water pollution control laws (chapter 90.48 RCW), the state wildlife laws (Title 77 RCW), state noise laws or air quality laws (Title 70 RCW), shoreline management (chapter 90.58 RCW), the state environmental policy act (chapter 43.21C RCW), state growth management (chapter 36.70A RCW), state drinking water laws (chapters 43.20 and 70.119A RCW), or any other state statutes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 21. The department shall have the authority to conduct, authorize, and/or participate in investigations, research, experiments, and demonstrations, and to collect and disseminate information relating to surface mining and reclamation of surface mined lands.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 22. The department may cooperate with other governmental and private agencies and agencies of the federal government, and may reasonably reimburse them for any services the department requests that they provide. The department may also receive any federal funds, state funds and any other funds and expend them for reclamation of land affected by surface mining under this subchapter and for purposes enumerated in section 21 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 23. After July 1, 1993, no miner or permit holder may engage in surface mining under this subchapter without having first obtained a reclamation permit from the department. Operating permits issued by the department between January 1, 1971, and June 30, 1993, shall be considered reclamation permits provided such permits substantially meet the protections, mitigations, and reclamation goals of sections 27 through 31 of this act within five years after the effective date of this act. State agencies and local government shall be exempt from this time limit for inactive sites. Prior to the use of an inactive site, the reclamation plan must be brought up to current standards. A separate permit shall be required for each noncontiguous surface mine. The reclamation permit shall consist of the permit forms and any exhibits attached thereto. The permit holder shall comply with the provisions of the reclamation permit unless waived and explained in writing by the department.

Prior to receiving a reclamation permit, an applicant must submit an application on forms provided by the department that shall contain the following information and shall be considered part of the reclamation permit:

(1) Name and address of the legal landowner, or purchaser of the land under a real estate contract;

(2) The name of the applicant and, if the applicants are corporations or other business entities, the names and addresses of their principal officers and resident agent for service of process;

(3) A reasonably accurate description of the minerals to be surface mined;

(4) Type of surface mining to be performed;

(5) Estimated starting date, date of completion, and date of completed reclamation of surface mining;

(6) Size and legal description of the permit area and maximum lateral and vertical extent of the disturbed area;

(7) Expected area to be disturbed by surface mining during (a) the next twelve months, and (b) the following twenty-four months;

(8) Any applicable SEPA documents; and

(9) Other pertinent data as required by the department.

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 the department.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. The department shall refuse to issue a reclamation permit if it is determined during the SEPA process that the impacts of a proposed surface mine cannot be adequately mitigated.

The department or county, city, or town may refuse to issue any other permit at any other location to any miner or permit holder who fails to rectify deficiencies set forth in an order of the department within the requisite time schedule. However, the department or county, city, or town shall issue all appropriate permits when all deficiencies are corrected at each surface mining site.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 25. (1) An applicant for a public or private reclamation permit under section 23 of this act shall pay an application fee to the department before being granted a surface mining permit. The amount of the surface mining permit application fee shall be six hundred fifty dollars.

(2) After June 30, 1993, each public or private permit holder shall pay an annual permit fee of six hundred fifty dollars. The annual permit fee shall be payable to the department on the first anniversary of the permit date and each year thereafter. Annual fees paid by a county for mines used exclusively for public works projects and having less than seven acres of disturbed area per mine shall not exceed one thousand dollars. Annual fees are waived for all mines used primarily for public works projects if the mines are owned and primarily operated by counties with 1993 populations of less than twenty thousand persons.

(3) After July 1, 1995, the department may modify annual permit fees by rule if:

(a) The total annual permit fees are reasonably related to the approximate costs of administering the department's surface mining regulatory program;

(b) The annual fee does not exceed five thousand dollars; and

(c) The mines are small mines in remote areas that are used primarily for public service, then lower annual permit fees may be established.

(4) Appeals from any determination of the department shall not stay the requirement to pay any annual permit fee. Failure to pay the annual fee may constitute grounds for an order to suspend surface mining or cancellation of the reclamation permit as provided in this subchapter.

(5) All surface mining permit fees collected by the department shall be deposited into the surface mining reclamation account under RCW 78.44.045.

(6) If the department delegates enforcement responsibilities to a county, city, or town, the department may allocate funds collected under this section to the county, city, or town.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 26. (1) The department shall not issue a reclamation permit until the applicant has deposited with the department an acceptable performance security on forms prescribed and furnished by the department. A public or governmental agency shall not be required to post performance security nor shall a permit holder be required to post surface mining performance security with more than one state or local agency.

(2) This performance security may be:

(a) Bank letters of credit acceptable to the department;

(b) A cash deposit;

(d) An assignment of a savings account;

(e) A savings certificate in a Washington bank on an assignment form prescribed by the department;

(f) Assignments of interests in real property within the state of Washington; or

(g) A corporate surety bond executed in favor of the department by a corporation authorized to do business in the state of Washington under Title 48 RCW and authorized by the department.

(3) The performance security shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the requirements set forth in this subchapter and of the rules adopted under it.

(4) The department shall have the authority to determine the amount of the performance security using a standardized performance security formula developed by the department. The amount of the security shall be determined by the department and based on the estimated costs of completing reclamation according to the approved reclamation plan or minimum standards and related administrative overhead for the area to be surface mined during (a) the next twelve‑month period, (b) the following twenty-four months, and (c) any previously disturbed areas on which the reclamation has not been satisfactorily completed and approved.

(5) The department may increase or decrease the amount of the performance security at any time to compensate for a change in the disturbed area, the depth of excavation, a modification of the reclamation plan, or any other alteration in the conditions of the mine that affects the cost of reclamation. The department may, for any reason, refuse any performance security not deemed adequate.

(6) Liability under the performance security shall be maintained until reclamation is completed according to the approved reclamation plan to the satisfaction of the department unless released as hereinafter provided. Liability under the performance security may be released only upon written notification by the department. Notification shall be given upon completion of compliance or acceptance by the department of a substitute performance security. The liability of the surety shall not exceed the amount of security required by this section and the department's reasonable legal fees to recover the security.

(7) Any interest or appreciation on the performance security shall be held by the department until reclamation is completed to its satisfaction. At such time, the interest shall be remitted to the permit holder; except that such interest or appreciation may be used by the department to effect reclamation in the event that the permit holder fails to comply with the provisions of this subchapter and the costs of reclamation exceed the face value of the performance security.

(8) Except as provided in this section, no other state agency or local government shall require performance security for the purposes of surface mine reclamation under this subchapter and only one agency of government shall require and hold the performance security. The department may enter into written agreements with federal agencies in order to avoid redundant bonding of surface mines straddling boundaries between federally controlled and other lands within Washington state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 27. An applicant shall provide a reclamation plan and copies acceptable to the department prior to obtaining a reclamation permit. The department shall have the sole authority to approve reclamation plans. Reclamation plans or modified reclamation plans submitted to the department after June 30, 1993, shall meet or exceed the minimum reclamation standards set forth in this subchapter and by the department in rule. Each applicant shall also supply copies of the proposed plans and final reclamation plan approved by the department to the county, city, or town in which the mine will be located. The department shall solicit comment from local government prior to approving a reclamation plan. The reclamation plan shall include:

(1) A written narrative describing the proposed mining and reclamation scheme with:

(a) A statement of a proposed subsequent use of the land after reclamation that is consistent with the local land use designation. Approval of the reclamation plan shall not vest the proposed subsequent use of the land;

(b) If the permit holder is not the sole landowner, a copy of the conveyance or a written statement that expressly grants or reserves the right to extract minerals by surface mining methods;

(d) The maximum depth of mining;

(e) A reasonably accurate description of the minerals to be mined;

(f) A description of the method of mining;

(g) A description of the sequence of mining that will provide, within limits of normal procedures of the industry, for completion of surface mining and associated disturbance on each portion of the permit area so that reclamation can be initiated at the earliest possible time on each segment of the mine;

(h) A schedule for progressive reclamation of each segment of the mine;

(i) Where surface mining on flood plains or in river or stream channels is contemplated, a thoroughly documented hydrogeologic evaluation that will outline measures that would protect against or would mitigate avulsion and erosion as determined by the department;

(j) Where surface mining is contemplated within critical aquifer recharge areas, special protection areas as defined by chapter 90.48 RCW and implementing rules, public water supply watersheds, sole source aquifers, wellhead protection areas, and designated aquifer protection areas as set forth in chapter 36.36 RCW, a thoroughly documented hydrogeologic analysis of the reclamation plan may be required; and

(k) Additional information as required by the department including but not limited to: The positions of reclamation setbacks and screening, conservation of topsoil, interim reclamation, revegetation, postsurface mining erosion control, drainage control, slope stability, disposal of surface mine wastes, control of fill material, development of wetlands, ponds, lakes, and impoundments, and rehabilitation of topography.

(2) Maps of the surface mine showing:

(a) All applicable data required in the narrative portion of the reclamation plan;

(b) Existing topographic contours;

(c) Contours depicting specifications for surface gradient restoration appropriate to the proposed subsequent use of the land and meeting the minimum reclamation standards;

(d) Locations and names of all roads, railroads, and utility lines on or adjacent to the area;

(e) Locations and types of proposed access roads to be built in conjunction with the surface mining;

(f) Detailed and accurate boundaries of the permit area, screening, reclamation setbacks, and maximum extent of the disturbed area; and

(g) Estimated depth to ground water and the locations of surface water bodies and wetlands both prior to and after mining.

(3) At least two cross sections of the mine including all applicable data required in the narrative and map portions of the reclamation plan.

(4) Evidence that the proposed surface mine has been approved under local zoning and land use regulations.

(5) Written approval of the reclamation plan by the landowner for surface mines permitted after June 30, 1993.

(6) Other supporting data and documents regarding the surface mine as reasonably required by the department.

If the department refuses to approve a reclamation plan in the form submitted by an applicant or permit holder, it shall notify the applicant or permit holder stating the reasons for its determination and describe such additional requirements to the applicant or permit holder's reclamation plan as are necessary for the approval of the plan by the department. If the department refuses to approve a complete reclamation plan within one hundred twenty days, the miner or permit holder may appeal this determination under the provisions of this subchapter.

Only insignificant deviations may occur from the approved reclamation plan without prior written approval by the department for the proposed change.

The department retains the authority to require that the reclamation plan be updated to the satisfaction of the department at least every ten years.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 28. Where two or more surface mines join along a common boundary, the department may require submission of a joint reclamation plan in order to provide for optimum reclamation or to avoid waste of mineral resources. Such joint reclamation plans may be in the form of a single collaborative plan submitted by all affected permit holders or as individual reclamation plans in which the schedule of reclamation, finished contours, and revegetation match reclamation plans of adjacent permit holders.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 29. The permit holder shall reclaim each segment of the surface mine within two years of completion of surface mining on that segment except as provided in a segmental reclamation agreement approved in writing by the department. The primary objective of a segmental reclamation agreement should be to enhance final reclamation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 30. Reclamation setbacks shall be as follows unless waived by the department:

(1) The reclamation setback for unconsolidated deposits within surface mines permitted after June 30, 1993, shall be equal to the maximum anticipated height of the adjacent working face or as determined by the department. Setbacks and buffers may be destroyed as part of final reclamation of each segment if approved by the department.

(2) The minimum reclamation setback for consolidated materials within surface mines permitted after June 30, 1993, shall be thirty feet or as determined by the department.

(3) An exemption from this section may be granted by the department following a written request. The department may consider submission of a plan for backfilling acceptable to the department, a geotechnical slope-stability study, proof of a dedicated source of fill materials, written approval of contiguous landowners, and other information before granting an exemption.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 31. 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 in order to achieve the reclamation and closure objectives of this subchapter. 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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 32. Reclamation of surface mines permitted after June 30, 1993, and reclamation of surface mine segments addressed by reclamation plans modified after June 30, 1994, shall meet the following minimum standards except as waived in writing by the department.

(1) Prior to surface mining, permit holders shall carefully stockpile all topsoil on the site for use in reclamation, or immediately move topsoil to reclaim adjacent segments, except when the approved subsequent use does not require replacing the topsoil. Topsoil needed for reclamation shall not be sold as a mineral nor mixed with sterile soils. Stockpiled materials used as screening shall not be used for reclamation until such time as the appropriate county or municipal government has given its approval.

(2) The department may require that clearly visible, permanent monuments delineating the permit boundaries and maximum extent of the disturbed area be set at appropriate places around the surface mine site. The permit holder shall maintain the monuments until termination of the reclamation permit.

(3) All minimum reclamation standards may be waived in writing by the department in order to accommodate unique and beneficial reclamation schemes such as parks, swimming facilities, buildings, and wildlife reserves. Such waivers shall be granted only after written approval by the department of a reclamation plan describing the variances to the minimum reclamation standards, receipt of documentation of SEPA compliance, and written approvals from the landowner and by the local land use authority.

(4) All surface-mined slopes shall be reclaimed to the following minimum standards:

(a) In surface mines in soil, sand, gravel, and other unconsolidated materials, all reclaimed slopes shall:

(i) Have varied steepness;

(ii) Have a sinuous appearance in both profile and plan view;

(iii) Have no large rectilinear topographic elements;

(iv) Generally have slopes of between 2.0 and 3.0 feet horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical or flatter except in limited areas where steeper slopes are necessary in order to create sinuous topography and to control drainage;

(v) Not exceed 1.5 feet horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical except as necessary to blend with adjacent natural slopes;

(vi) Be compacted if significant backfilling is required to produce the final reclaimed slopes and if the department determines that compaction is necessary.

(b) Slopes in consolidated materials shall have no prescribed slope angle or height, but where a severely hazardous condition is created by surface mines and that is not indigenous to the immediate area, the slopes shall not exceed 2.0 feet horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical. Steeper slopes shall be acceptable in areas where evidence is submitted that demonstrates that the geologic or topographic characteristics of the site preclude reclamation of slopes to such angle or height or that such slopes constitute an acceptable subsequent use under local land use regulations.

(c) Surface mines in which the seasonal or permanent water tables have been penetrated, thereby creating swamps, ponds, or lakes useful for recreational, wildlife habitat, water quality control, or other beneficial wetland purposes shall be reclaimed in the following manner:

(i) For slopes that are below the permanent water table in soil, sand, gravel, and other unconsolidated materials, the slope angle shall be no steeper than 1.5 feet horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical;

(ii) Generally, solid rock banks shall be shaped so that a person can escape from the water, however steeper slopes and lack of water egress shall be acceptable in rural, forest, or mountainous areas or where evidence is provided that such slopes would constitute an acceptable subsequent use under local land use regulations;

(iii) Both standpipes and armored spillways or other measures to prevent undesirable overflow or seepage shall be provided to stabilize all such water bodies within the disturbed area; and

(iv) Where lakes, ponds, or swamps are created, the permit holder shall provide measures to establish a beneficial wetland by developing natural wildlife habitat and incorporating such measures as irregular shoreline configurations, sinuous bathymetry and shorelines, varied water depths, peninsulas, islands, and subaqueous areas less than 1.5 foot deep during summer low-water levels. Clay-bearing material placed below water level may be required to avoid creating sterile wetlands.

(d) Final topography shall generally comprise sinuous contours, chutes and buttresses, spurs, and rolling mounds and hills, all of which shall blend with adjacent topography to a reasonable extent. Straight planar slopes and right angles should be avoided.

(e) The floors of mines shall generally grade gently into postmining drainages to preclude sheet-wash erosion during intense precipitation, except where backgrading is appropriate for drainage control, to establish wetlands, or to trap sediment.

(f) Topsoil shall be restored as necessary to promote effective revegetation and to stabilize slopes and mine floors. Where limited topsoil is available, topsoil shall be placed and revegetated in such a way as to ensure that little topsoil is lost to erosion.

(g) Where surface mining has exposed natural materials that may create polluting conditions, including but not limited to acid-forming coals and metalliferous rock or soil, such conditions shall be addressed according to a method approved by the department. The final ground surface shall be graded so that surface water drains away from these materials.

(h) All grading and backfilling shall be made with nonnoxious, noncombustible, and relatively incompactible solids unless the permit holder provides:

(i) Written approval from all appropriate solid waste regulatory agencies; and

(ii) Any and all revisions to such written approval during the entire time the reclamation permit is in force.

(i) Final reclaimed slopes should be left roughly graded, preserving equipment tracks, depressions, and small mounds to trap clay-bearing soil and promote natural revegetation. Where reasonable, final equipment tracks should be oriented in order to trap soil and seeds and to inhibit erosion.

(j) Pit floors should be bulldozed or ripped to foster revegetation.

(5) Drainages shall be graded and contain adequate energy dissipation devices so that essentially natural conditions of water velocity, volume, and turbidity are reestablished within six months of reclamation of each segment of the surface mine. Ditches and other artificial drainages shall be constructed on each reclaimed segment to control surface water, erosion, and siltation and to direct runoff to a safe outlet. Diversion ditches including but not limited to channels, flumes, tightlines and retention ponds shall be capable of carrying the peak flow at the surface mine site that has the probable recurrence frequency of once in twenty-five years as determined from data for the twenty-five year, twenty-four hour precipitation event published by the national oceanic and atmospheric administration. The grade of such ditches and channels shall be constructed to limit erosion and siltation. Natural and other drainage channels shall be kept free of equipment, wastes, stockpiles, and overburden.

(6) Impoundment of water shall be an acceptable reclamation technique provided that approvals of other agencies with jurisdiction are obtained and:

(a) Proper measures are taken to prevent undesirable seepage that could cause flooding outside the permitted area or adversely affect the stability of impoundment dikes or adjacent slopes;

(b) Both standpipes and armored spillways or other measures necessary to control overflow are provided.

(7) Revegetation shall be required as appropriate to stabilize slopes, generate new topsoil, reduce erosion and turbidity, mask rectilinear contours, and restore the scenic value of the land to the extent feasible as appropriate to the approved subsequent use. Although the scope of and necessity for revegetation will vary according to the geography, precipitation, and approved subsequent use of the site, the objective of segmental revegetation is to reestablish self-sustaining vegetation and conditions of slope stability, surface water quality, and appearance before release of the reclamation permit. Revegetation shall normally meet the following standards:

(a) Revegetation shall commence during the first proper growing season following restoration of slopes on each segment unless the department has granted the permit holder a written time extension.

(b) In eastern Washington, the permit holder may not be able to achieve continuous ground cover owing to arid conditions or sparse topsoil. However, revegetation shall be as continuous as reasonably possible as determined by the department.

(c) Revegetation generally shall include but not be limited to diverse evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, grasses, and deep-rooted ground cover.

(i) For western Washington, nitrogen-fixing species including but not limited to alder, white clover, and lupine should be included in dry areas. In wet areas, tubers, sedges, wetland grasses, willow, cottonwood, cedar, and alder are appropriate.

(ii) In eastern Washington, lupine, white clover, Russian olive, black locust, junipers, and pines are among appropriate plants. In wet areas, cottonwood, tubers, and sedges are appropriate.

(d) The requirements for revegetation may be reduced or waived by the department where erosion will not be a problem in rural areas where precipitation exceeds thirty inches per annum, or where revegetation is inappropriate for the approved subsequent use of the surface mine.

(e) In areas where revegetation is critical and conditions are harsh, the department may require irrigation, fertilization, and importation of clay or humus-bearing soils to establish effective vegetation.

(f) The department may refuse to release a reclamation permit or performance security until it deems that effective revegetation has commenced.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 33. The department and the permit holder may modify the reclamation plan at any time during the term of the permit for any of the following reasons:

(1) To modify the requirements so that they do not conflict with existing or new laws;

(2) If the department determines that the previously adopted reclamation plan is impossible or impracticable to implement and maintain; or

(3) The previously approved reclamation plan is not accomplishing the intent of this subchapter as determined by the department.

Modified reclamation plans shall be reviewed by the department as lead agency under SEPA. Such SEPA analyses shall consider only those impacts relating directly to the proposed modifications. Copies of proposed and approved modifications shall be sent to the appropriate county, city, or town.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 34. The department may order at any time an inspection of the disturbed area to determine if the miner or permit holder has complied with the reclamation permit, rules, and this subchapter.

The department shall have special inspection requirements for metals mining and milling operations regulated under chapter 232, Laws of 1994. The department shall inspect these mining operations at least quarterly, unless prevented by inclement weather conditions, in order to ensure that the permit holder is in compliance with the reclamation permit, rules, and this subchapter. The department shall conduct additional inspections as needed during the construction phase of these mining operations in order to ensure compliance with the reclamation permit, rules, and this subchapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 35. Reclamation permits shall be transferred to a subsequent permit holder and the department shall release the former permit holder from the duties imposed by this subchapter if:

(1) Both permit holders comply with all rules of the department addressing requirements for transferring a permit; and

(2) Unless waived by the department, the mine and all others operated by both the former and subsequent permit holders and their principal officers or owners are in compliance with this subchapter and rules.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 36. On the anniversary date of the reclamation permit and each year thereafter until reclamation is completed and approved, the permit holder shall file a report of activities completed during the preceding year. The report shall be on a form prescribed by the department.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 37. The department may issue an order to rectify deficiencies when a miner or permit holder is conducting surface mining in any manner not authorized by:

(1) This subchapter;

(2) The rules adopted by the department;

(3) The authorized reclamation plan; or

(4) The reclamation permit.

The order shall describe the deficiencies and shall require that the miner or permit holder correct all deficiencies no later than sixty days from issuance of the order. The department may extend the period for correction for delays clearly beyond the miner or permit holder's control, but only when the miner or permit holder is, in the opinion of the department, making every reasonable effort to comply.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 38. When the department finds that a permit holder is conducting surface mining in any manner not authorized by:

(1) This subchapter;

(2) The rules adopted by the department;

(3) The approved reclamation plan; or

(4) The reclamation permit;

and that activity has created a situation involving an immediate danger to the public health, safety, welfare, or environment requiring immediate action, the department may issue an emergency notice and order to rectify deficiencies, and/or an emergency order to suspend surface mining. These orders shall be effective when entered. The department may take such action as is necessary to prevent or avoid the danger to the public health, safety, welfare, or environment that justifies use of emergency adjudication. The department shall give such notice as is practicable to the permit holder or miner who is required to comply with the order. The order shall comply with the requirements of the administrative procedure act.

Regulations of surface mining operations administered by other state and local agencies shall be preempted by this section to the extent that the time schedule and procedures necessary to rectify the emergency situation, as determined by the department, conflict with such local regulation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 39. Upon the failure of a miner or permit holder to comply with a department order to rectify deficiencies, the department may issue an order to suspend surface mining when a miner or permit holder is conducting surface mining in any manner not authorized by:

(1) This subchapter;

(2) The rules adopted by the department;

(3) The approved reclamation plan;

(4) The reclamation permit; or

(5) If the miner or permit holder fails to comply with any final order of the department.

The order to suspend surface mining shall require the miner or permit holder to suspend part or all of the miner's or permit holder's surface mining operations until the conditions resulting in the issuance of the order have been mitigated to the satisfaction of the department.

The attorney general may take the necessary legal action to enjoin, or otherwise cause to be stopped, surface mining in violation of an order to suspend surface mining.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 40. The department may issue a declaration of abandonment when it determines that all surface mining has ceased for a period of one hundred eighty consecutive days not set forth in the permit holder's reclamation plan or when, by reason of inspection of the permit area, or by any other means, the department determines that the surface mine has in fact been abandoned by the permit holder except that abandonment shall not include normal interruptions of surface mining resulting from labor disputes, economic conditions associated with lack of smelting capacity or availability of appropriate transportation, war, social unrest, demand for minerals, maintenance and repairs, and acts of God.

Following a declaration of abandonment, the department shall require the permit holder to complete reclamation in accordance with this subchapter. If the permit holder fails to do so, the department shall proceed to do the necessary reclamation work under section 42 of this act.

If another miner applies for a permit on a site that has been declared abandoned, the department may, in its discretion, cancel the reclamation permit of the permit holder and issue a new reclamation permit to the applicant. The department shall not issue a new permit unless it determines that such issuance will be an effective means of assuring that the site will ultimately be reclaimed. The applicant must agree to assume the reclamation responsibilities left unfinished by the first miner, in addition to meeting all requirements for issuance of a new permit.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 41. When the department determines that a surface mine has been abandoned, it may cancel the reclamation permit. The permit holder shall be informed of such actions by a department notification of illegal abandonment and cancellation of the reclamation permit.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 42. The department may, with the staff, equipment, and material under its control, or by contract with others, reclaim the disturbed areas when it finds that reclamation has not occurred in any segment of a surface mine within two years of completion of mining or of declaration of abandonment and the permit holder is not actively pursuing reclamation.

If the department intends to undertake the reclamation, the department shall issue an order to submit performance security requiring the permit holder or surety to submit to the department the amount of moneys posted under section 26 of this act. If the amount specified in the order to submit performance security is not paid within twenty days after issuance of the notice, the attorney general upon request of the department shall bring an action on behalf of the state in a superior court to recover the amount specified and associated legal fees.

The department may proceed at any time after issuing the order to submit performance security with reclamation of the site according to the approved reclamation plan or according to a plan developed by the department that meets the minimum reclamation standards.

The department shall keep a record of all expenses incurred in carrying out any reclamation project or activity authorized under this section, including:

(1) Reclamation;

(2) A reasonable charge for the services performed by the state's personnel and the state's equipment and materials utilized; and

(3) Administrative and legal expenses related to reclamation of the surface mine.

The department shall refund to the surety or permit holder all amounts received in excess of the amount of expenses incurred. If the amount received is less than the expenses incurred, the attorney general, upon request of the department, may bring an action against the permit holder on behalf of the state in the superior court to recover the remaining costs listed in this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 43. Each order of the department may impose a fine or fines in the event that a miner or permit holder fails to obey the order of the department. When a miner or permit holder fails to comply with an order of the department, the miner or permit holder shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not more than ten thousand dollars for each violation plus interest based upon a schedule of fines set forth by the department in rule. Procedures for imposing a penalty and setting the amount of the penalty shall be as provided in RCW 90.48.144. Each day on which a miner or permit holder continues to disobey any order of the department shall constitute a separate violation. If the penalty and interest is not paid to the department after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon the request of the department, may bring an action in the name of the state of Washington to recover the penalty, interest, mitigation for environmental damages, and associated legal fees. Decisions of the department are subject to review by the pollution control hearings board.

All fines, interest, penalties, and other damage recovery costs from mines regulated by the department shall be credited to the surface mining reclamation account.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 44. Any miner or permit holder conducting surface mining within the state of Washington without a valid reclamation permit shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Surface mining outside of the permitted area shall constitute illegal mining without a valid reclamation permit. Each day of mining without a valid reclamation permit shall constitute a separate offense.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 45. Appeals from department determinations made under this subchapter shall be made under the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, and are adjudicative proceedings within the meaning of chapter 34.05 RCW. Only a person aggrieved within the meaning of RCW 34.05.530 has standing and can file an appeal.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 46. The department shall create reclamation awards in recognition of excellence in reclamation or reclamation research. Such awards shall be presented to individuals, miners, operators, companies, or government agencies performing exemplary surface mining reclamation in the state of Washington. The department shall designate a percent of the state annual fees as funding of the awards.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 47. The department may establish a no-cost consulting service within the department to assist miners, permit holders, local government, and the public in technical matters related to surface mine regulation, mine operations, and reclamation under this subchapter. The department may prepare concise, printed information for the public explaining surface mining activities, timelines for permits and reviews, laws, and the role of governmental agencies involved in surface mining, including how to contact all regulators. The department shall not be held liable for any negligent advice.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 48. Miners and permit holders shall not be required to reclaim any segment where all surface mining was completed prior to January 1, 1971. However, the department shall make an effort to reclaim previously abandoned or completed surface mining segments.

Sec. 49. RCW 78.44.131 and 1994 c 232 s 24 are each amended to read as follows:

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.))

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.

Sec. 50. RCW 78.44.161 and 1994 c 232 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:

The department may order at any time an inspection of the disturbed area to determine if the miner or permit holder has complied with the reclamation permit, rules, and this chapter.

((The department shall have special inspection requirements for metals mining and milling operations regulated under chapter 232, Laws of 1994. The department shall inspect these mining operations at least quarterly, unless prevented by inclement weather conditions, in order to ensure that the permit holder is in compliance with the reclamation permit, rules, and this chapter. The department shall conduct additional inspections as needed during the construction phase of these mining operations in order to ensure compliance with the reclamation permit, rules, and this chapter.))

NEW SECTION. Sec. 51. A new section is added to chapter 78.44 RCW to read as follows:

After the effective date of this act, this chapter no longer applies to metal mining and milling operations or surface mining of precious and base metal ores under chapter 78.56 RCW, except as provided in RCW 78.44.045.

Sec. 52. RCW 78.44.045 and 1993 c 518 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

The surface mining reclamation account is created in the state treasury. Annual mining fees, funds received by the department from state, local, or federal agencies for research purposes, as well as other mine-related funds and fines received by the department shall be deposited into this account. The surface mine reclamation account may be used by the department only to:

(1) Administer its regulatory program pursuant to this chapter and sections 14 through 48 of this act;

(2) Undertake research relating to surface mine regulation, reclamation of surface mine lands, and related issues; and

(3) Cover costs arising from appeals from determinations made under this chapter and sections 14 through 48 of this act.

Fines, interest, and other penalties collected by the department under the provisions of this chapter shall be used to reclaim surface mines abandoned prior to 1971.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 53. The following sections are designated as a subchapter of chapter 78.56 RCW under the subchapter heading "metal mining and milling operations":

RCW 78.56.010;

RCW 78.56.020;

RCW 78.56.030;

RCW 78.56.040;

RCW 78.56.050;

RCW 78.56.060;

RCW 78.56.070;

RCW 78.56.080;

RCW 78.56.090;

RCW 78.56.100;

RCW 78.56.110;

RCW 78.56.120;

RCW 78.56.130;

RCW 78.56.140;

RCW 78.56.150; and

RCW 78.56.160.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 54. Sections 14 through 48 of this act are added to chapter 78.56 RCW under the subchapter heading "surface mining of precious and base metal ores."

NEW SECTION. Sec. 55. 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.