California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 2 - Department of Conservation
Chapter 8 - Mining and Geology
Subchapter 1 - State Mining and Geology Board
Article 9 - Reclamation Standards
Section 3707 - Performance Standards for Prime Agricultural Land Reclamation
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
In addition to the standards for topsoil salvage, maintenance, and redistribution, the following standards shall apply to mining operations on prime agricultural lands where the approved end use is agriculture:
(a) Mining operations which will operate on prime agricultural lands, as defined by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, shall return all disturbed areas to a fertility level as specified in the approved reclamation plan.
(b) When distinct soil horizons are present, topsoil shall be salvaged and segregated by defined A, B, and C soil horizons. Upon reconstruction of the soil, the sequence of horizons shall have the A atop the B, the B atop the C, and the C atop graded overburden.
(c) Reclamation shall be deemed complete when productive capability of the affected land is equivalent to or exceeds, for two consecutive crop years, that of the premining condition or similar crop production in the area. Productivity rates, based on reference areas described in the approved reclamation plan, shall be specified in the approved reclamation plan.
(d) Use of fertilizers or other soil amendments shall not cause contamination of surface or ground water.
1. New section filed 12-16-92; operative 1-15-93 (Register 92, No. 51).
Note: Authority cited: Sections 2755, 2756 and 2773, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 2773, Public Resources Code.
