FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1406
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 27 L 17 E 3
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Adjusting the surface mining funding structure.
Sponsors: Representatives Barkis, Blake, Chandler, Fitzgibbon and Wilcox; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
House Committee on Appropriations
Background:
The Surface Mine Reclamation Act.The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates surface mine reclamation in Washington. Surface mining activities consist primarily of rock, sand, and gravel mining.
Persons engaging in surface mining activities must have an approved reclamation plan and a reclamation permit issued by the DNR. "Reclamation" means rehabilitation for future use of areas that have been disturbed by surface mining. The stated objective of reclamation is to reestablish 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.
The state surface mine reclamation permit issued by the DNR to the permit holder applies to most surface mines, except where the excavation or grading is used for certain purposes, including on-site construction, certain forest or farm road construction, and public works projects if the mine is smaller than seven acres and the mine is owned by a county whose 1993 population was fewer than 20,000 people.
The application fee for a new reclamation permit, for the expansion of an existing permitted mine, or for the combination of existing public or private reclamation permits, is $2,500. The fee for a revision to an application for an existing reclamation plan is $1,000. Permit holders must also pay an annual fee that varies based on the quantity of material extracted:
0 - 50,000 tons: $1,250;
50,001 - 350,000 tons: $2,500; and
350,000+ tons: $3,500.
Summary:
The application fee for a new reclamation permit, for the expansion of an existing permitted mine, or for the combination of existing public or private reclamation permits, is $4,500.
The fee for a revision to an application for an existing reclamation plan is $2,500.
The annual fee for all permit holders, regardless of amount extracted, is $2,000.
Votes on Final Passage:
Third Special Session
House | 94 | 0 | |
Senate | 41 | 8 |
Effective: | October 19, 2017 |