Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 3700

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 44, November 1, 2024

Section 3700 - Applicability

Reclamation of mined lands shall be implemented in conformance with the standards in this Article.

(a) The standards shall apply to each surface mining operation to the extent that:

(1) they are consistent with required mitigation identified in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act, provided that such mitigation is at least as stringent as the standards; and

(2) they are consistent with the planned or actual subsequent use or uses of the mining site.

(b) Where an applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the lead agency that an exception to the standards specified in this article is necessary based upon the approved end use, the lead agency may approve a different standard for inclusion in the approved reclamation plan. Where the lead agency allows such an exception, the approved reclamation plan shall specify verifiable, site-specific standards for reclamation. The lead agency may set standards which are more stringent than the standards set forth in this Article; however, in no case may the lead agency approve a reclamation plan which sets any standard which is less stringent than the comparable standard specified in this Article.

(c) When substantial amendments are proposed to reclamation plans which were approved prior to January 15, 1993, the standards set forth in this Article shall be applied by the lead agency in approving or denying approval of the amended reclamation plan.

(d) The standards in this Article shall not apply to mining operations:

(1) which completed reclamation prior to January 15, 1993, in conformance with an approved reclamation plan; or

(2) for which a reclamation plan has been approved prior to January 15, 1993.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 3700

1. New article 9 (sections 3700-3713) filed 12-16-92; operative 1-15-93 (Register 92, No. 51).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 2755, 2756 and 2773, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 2773, Public Resources Code.

1. New article 9 (sections 3700-3713) filed 12-16-92; operative 1-15-93 (Register 92, No. 51).