Title
Public hearing to consider adopting a resolution to amend the Article IX (RMA-Planning) of the Monterey County Fee Resolution to increase the Surface Mine Annual Inspection fee from $3,227.91 to $7,600.00 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 to cover the reasonable cost of inspections.
(Adjust Fees - REF130098/Surface Mine Annual Inspection Fee)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to amend the Article IX (RMA-Planning) of the Monterey County Fee Resolution to increase the Surface Mine Annual Inspection fee from $3,227.91 to $7,600.00 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 to cover the reasonable cost of inspections.
SUMMARY:
The Board of Supervisors approved an update of the land use fees on May 7, 2013 (Resolution 13-143). Staff is recommending an adjustment to the Surface Mine Annual Inspection fee for FY 2013-2014 only due to changes in the state inspection requirements.
DISCUSSION:
The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) requires annual inspections of surface mining operations. Under section 2774 (b) of the Public Resources Code, section 3504.5(e) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and section 16.04.100 of the Monterey County Code, the mine operator shall be solely responsible for the reasonable cost of the annual inspection conducted by the lead agency. The current fee is $3,227.91 which covers the cost of inspections. This proposal is to increase the fee to $7,600.00 due to increased costs stemming from new state requirements.
The State Mining and Geology Board has implemented a new Surface Mining Inspection Report Form (form MRCC-1) to be used for all Mine Site Inspections. The new form requires that much more detailed information be provided (e.g., graphics, photographs, documentation) as necessary to document observed mine operations and reclamation conditions relative to the requirements of the approved reclamation plan. Gathering the information for each mine on the ne...
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