17.78.100 Surface mining operations within critical aquifer recharge areas.
The purpose of this section is to protect critical aquifer recharge areas as required by RCW 36.70A.060(2). Any surface mining operation within a critical aquifer recharge area (as defined in Chapter 17.135 SMC) shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Surface mining operations must be reviewed and approved by city staff and conditions for approval may be added to protect adjacent aquifer recharge areas.
These conditions may include, but not be limited to, mining operations, reclamation, parking, storage, maintenance, and washing of mobile equipment within surface mining operations.
(2) All newly situated stationary and semi-mobile equipment shall be located at least 100 feet away from any exposed water table and (a) at least 20 feet above the seasonal high groundwater level, or (b) located upon unexcavated land; provided, that this shall not apply to dredging equipment.
(3) Fuel tanks and oil drums shall be double containment construction and protected by bermed areas having adequate capacity to accommodate, contain, and allow the removal of chemical spills. Fuel nozzles shall not contain locking devices. Fuel storage shall be aboveground. Fueling of mobile equipment shall be located at least 20 feet above the seasonal high groundwater level or within lined and bermed areas with adequate capacity to accommodate, contain, and allow the removal of chemical spills.
(4) All operations shall maintain a fuels/hazardous waste management plan maintained by the operator and available on the site at all times.
(5) Fencing, or some comparable deterrent, shall be installed to prevent unauthorized dumping of any materials within surface mining operations.
(6) Surface mines shall not use any off-site materials for backfill or reclamation without first acquiring either a grade and fill permit or a landfill permit from the city as deemed appropriate by the administrator. Any fill material must be non-noxious, nontoxic, nonflammable, and noncombustible.
(7) On-site truck and equipment wash runoff shall be routed to retention facilities equipped with an oil-water separator prior to its release to settling ponds. Noncontaminated process water used for gravel washing shall be routed to settling ponds to minimize off-site discharges. A general permit from the Department of Ecology for process and stormwater discharge may substitute for these requirements. (Ord. 1056, 1998).