SU0004094 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1. INTRODUCTION Appendices. The appendices are located at the back of the EIR and are referenced in the Table of Contents. 1.6 OTHER AGENCIES Other agencies may use some or all of the analysis presented in the EIR for purposes of project review and the issuance of permits. A discussion of permits and approvals follows in Chapter 3.0,Project Description, Section 3.7. 1.7 SMARA/FINANCIAL ASSURANCES The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act(SMARA) was enacted by the State Legislature in 1975,and is the State's response to the need for a continuing supply of mineral resources while preventing damage from mining activities to public health,property, and the environment. The Department of Conservation Office of Mine Reclamation(OMR)and the State Mining and Geology Board(SMGB)are jointly charged with ensuring proper administration of the SMARA requirements. The SMGB promulgates regulations to clarify and interpret the SMARA provisions, and also serves as a policy and appeals board. The OMR provides ongoing technical _ assistance for lead agencies and operators,maintains a database of mine locations and operational information statewide,and is responsible for compliance related matters. SMARA requires surface mining operations to obtain lead agency approved financial assurance for the reclamation of mined lands,so the public will not bear the cost of reclaiming abandoned operations. Financial assurances may take the form of surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit or trust funds,and must be accessible by the lead agency or the State in cases of mine abandonment.In the event of financial incapability by the operator, the financial assurance funds would be used by the lead agency(or SMGB)to reclaim the mined site. The applicant will prepare a cost estimate covering the costs of reclaiming the site and will provide the County with a financial assurance mechanism such as a surety bond for the amount of the cost of reclamation. SMARA regulations require the following in the calculation of financial assurance: • An analysis of the activities necessary to implement the approved reclamation plan; • The unit costs for each activity; • The number of units; and • Contingency costs and administrative costs. Financial assurances are reviewed annually by the Lead Agency and adjusted, if necessary to reflect changes in the cost of reclamation activities,lands reclaimed the previous year,and the lands to be disturbed the next year. _ RMC Pacific Vernalis Quany Mining and Reclamation Project 1-6 ESA 1203015 Administrative Draft Ent March 2004