The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA, Public Resources Code, Sections 2710-2796) provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition. Public Resources Code (PRC) Division 2, Chapter 9, Sections 2710 et seq., every City and County lead agency (lead agency) is required to adopt mining ordinances in accordance with state policy. Mining ordinances must establish procedures for the review and approval of reclamation plans and financial assurances and the issuance of permits to conduct surface mining operations.

The County of Monterey has 12 surface mining operations, ranging in scope from small operations producing specialty products to the state's only lime-producing dolomite mine. Large aggregate producing mines in the county supply the San Francisco peninsula and San Jose region with construction aggregates. Since 2004, the County has engaged Benchmark Resources to assist in its SMARA compliance program, involving annual mining inspections, financial assurance reviews, and various matters surrounding compliance with mining use permits and approved reclamation plans.  Since the adoption of the County’s SMARA Ordinance in 1978 and subsequent revisions in 1999, State Law has changed and is necessitating updates to the County’s ordinance to be consistent with SMARA regulations in the PRC.

Katie Scariot, Assistant Planner, Assistant Planner, ScariotK1@CountyofMonterey.gov

Sarah Wikle, Principal Planner, WikleS@countyofmonterey.gov

County Staff is currently working with Benchmark Resources to develop updates to the County’s SMARA Ordinance to be consistent with SMARA regulations in the PRC.