ORS 517.825 Mining aggregate on high-value farmland; requirements; rules

(1)

As used in this section, “significant aggregate resource” means the average minimum depth of aggregate, determined by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission, that is required for a local government to find that the aggregate resource is significant pursuant to a statewide land use planning goal that protects natural resources and conserves scenic, historic and open space resources.

(2)

When the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries issues an operating permit under ORS 517.790 for mining aggregate on high-value farmland composed predominantly of Class I and Class II soils in the Willamette Valley, the department shall require:

(a)

An operator or owner to excavate substantially all of the significant aggregate resource within the operating permit boundary, not including any buffer, setback and sloping areas:

(A)

To the extent that the removal of the significant aggregate resource can be done in a manner that is consistent with operating permit conditions imposed by the department; and

(B)

Subject to limitations imposed by other federal, state or local regulatory requirements.

(b)

An applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the operator or owner has the mechanical ability to comply with paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(c)

Performance of the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection before approving final reclamation and closure of the mining operation, unless:

(A)

The operator or owner defaults as described in ORS 517.860; or

(B)

Performance is not required due to changed conditions or new information that justify a permit modification under ORS 517.831.

(3)

The acceptance by the department of a plan to mine in compliance with subsection

(2)(a)

of this section does not establish a depth standard for purposes of land use permits or authorizations.

(4)

The time limitations imposed on the department under ORS 517.830 do not apply to an application for an operating permit, or the transfer of a permit under ORS 517.833, that is subject to this section.

(5)

This section does not require the operator or owner to provide bond or security to excavate to the permitted depth.