Surface Mining and Reclamation

The supply of limited geologic resources (such as aggregate) inevitably run out in a mine. What happens to the land and area of the mine after that? This is an important question that is addressed prior to the mine opening. Mine operators work with local governments to identify what the mine site will become once it is closed, known as 'subsequent use.' Once the mine operators and the local governments come to an agreement, WGS works with the mine operator to make sure that the reclamation plan meet the standards of the Surface Mining Act, RCW 78.44. Retired mine sites are commonly converted into forest that provides habitat for birds and other animals. Near urban areas, former mines may become city parks with grassy areas and trails for people to enjoy. Some former mine sites are developed, providing additional land for urban growth.

Reclamation does not have to wait until the end of a project (RCW 78.44). Sometimes reclamation starts while a mine is in operation. Known as 'segmental reclamation', DNR encourages mine owners to reclaim parts of the mine as they are finished working them. This helps to control erosion, the spread of noxious weeds, and prevent blowing dust. Also, it spreads the cost of reclamation for the mine owner out over time.

Rules, Regulations and Forms Page

The Surface Mine Reclamation Program (SMRP) is part of the Washington Geological Survey within the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The program was created in 1971 after the legislature created the Surface Mining Act.

The SMRP makes sure that all lands and waters within the state are protected and reclaimed after mining is complete. It also provides consistent regulation of both permitted and unpermitted surface mines statewide.

The SMRP monitors surface mines and issue reclamation permits. Monitoring for compliance is usually performed by on-site inspection. Aerial photography is frequently used as well to document mining activity.

The Surface Mining Act requires surface miners to get a permit when (1) the intent is to be a surface mine or (2) removal of minerals results in:

• more than three acres of disturbed area
• mined slopes greater than thirty feet high and steeper than 1.0 foot horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical
• more than one acre of disturbed area within an eight acre area, from mineral prospecting or exploration activities

Some exemptions to the law include the use of materials or equipment for:

• on-site construction, road maintenance, landfill construction
• public safety or restoring the land following a natural disaster
• removing stockpiles
• forest or farm road construction or maintenance at the site or on contiguous lands

 Surface mine reclamation specialists are assigned set geographic areas based on county boundaries. To see the specialist responsible for your county refer to the map below. Please direct any questions about your mining permit and inspections to the reclamation specialist assigned to the county in which the mine is located.

Surface Mine Reclamation staff work closely with stakeholders to ensure they are compliant with the Surface Mining Act. Inspections of known mines are performed every one to two years. Inspectors document the progress of mining and reclamation making sure it is consistent with their permit.

If the mine is found to be out of compliance with the law, a notice of correction is issued. Program staff work with the miners to fix the problem. If the miners do not correct the issues, further formal notice is given and enforcement may occur. Penalty for not fixing problems with a site may lead to stop work orders, civil penalties, and (or) fines.

All regulatory agencies are required to provide upon request a list of organizations, including private companies, which can provide technical assistance (RCW 43.05.020). This list shall be compiled by the agencies from information submitted by the organizations and shall not constitute an endorsement by an agency of any organization.

If you would like your company or organization to be included or deleted or you need to make corrections to this list, please send information to:

Nikolas Midttun
Washington Geological Survey
MS 47007; Olympia, WA 98504-7007
nikolas.midttun@dnr.wa.gov

The following is a partial list of organizations and does not constitute an endorsement by any agency or organization.