Surface Mining Ordinance Update
Summary
SCH Number
2023070539
Public Agency
San Benito County
Document Title
Surface Mining Ordinance Update
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/25/2023
Document Description
The San Benito County Surface Mining Ordinance Update Project consists of various additions and revisions to Chapter 19.13 of the San Benito Code to bring it into compliance with the current provisions of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) and the San Benito County General Plan. Proposed updates relate to mineral designation and conservation; reclamation plan form, content, and approval process; financial assurances; inspection requirements; and enforcement actions. The proposed ordinance reflects existing state and local regulations. No new regulations on surface mining operations or reclamation are proposed.
Contact Information
Name
Arielle Goodspeed
Agency Name
San Benito County
Job Title
Principal Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Hollister, San Juan Bautista
Counties
San Benito
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
entire unincorporated San Benito County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
§15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA under the "General Rule" exemption, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The "General Rule" states that CEQA applies "only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment." It further states that "where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." The project would update Section 19.13 of the San Benito County Code to make it consistent with the current provisions of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act and the San Benito County General Plan. These regulations are already in place and applicable to mining projects in the county. No changes to the permitting, operation, inspection, or enforcement of surface mining operations would occur as a result of the project. As the project would not add or modify any regulations or otherwise affect mining operations in the county, there would be no potential to affect the environment.
County Clerk
San Benito
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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