The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process for reviewing surface mining permit applications which are intended to create and maintain an effective surface mining and reclamation policy as authorized by the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Public Resources Code, Section 2710 et seq.). While preservation and extraction of economic viable mineral resources has been determined to be in the interests of the people of California by the state legislature, it also recognized that surface mining activities may result in significant adverse environmental impacts.
It is, therefore, the intent of this chapter to regulate surface mining operations to ensure that:
A. The adverse effects of surface mining operations would be prevented or minimized, and that mined lands would be reclaimed to a usable condition that is readily adaptable for alternative land use;
B. The reclamation of mined land would be carried out in a way that the continued mining of valuable minerals would not be precluded; and
C. The production and conservation of minerals would be encouraged, while giving consideration to values related to range and forage, recreation, watershed, wildlife, and aesthetic enjoyment and that the potential residual hazards to the public convenience, health, safety, or general welfare would be eliminated.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)