"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   A new section is added to chapter 78.44 RCW to read as follows:
     Proposed private mining projects where the source of mineral is located on lands designated as forest or mineral resource lands pursuant to RCW 36.70A.060(1)(a) in counties planning pursuant to RCW 36.70A.040 with populations less than fifty thousand, shall have the department act as lead agency for purposes of compliance with the requirements of the state environmental policy act, chapter 43.21C RCW. The owner or operator shall compensate the department for all costs incurred by the department in performing the role of lead agency."