California Code of Regulations
Title 27 - Environmental Protection
Division 2 - Solid Waste
Subdivision 1 - Consolidated Regulations for Treatment, Storage, Processing or Disposal of Solid Waste
Chapter 7 - Special Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Units
Subchapter 1 - Mining Waste Management
Article 1 - SWRCB-Mining Waste Management Regulations (C15: Article 7)
Section 22480 - SWRCB-Groups of Mining Waste. (C15: Section 2571)

Universal Citation: 27 CA Code of Regs 22480

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Definition--Mining waste is waste from the mining and processing of ores and mineral commodities. Mining waste includes:

(1) overburden;

(2) natural geologic material which have been removed or relocated but have not been processed (waste rock); and

(3) the solid residues, sludges, and liquids from the processing of ores and mineral commodities.

(b) Waste Group Classification--Mining wastes shall be classified as Group A, Group B, or Group C mining wastes based on an assessment of the potential risk of water quality degradation posed by each waste. In setting requirements for each mining waste discharge under this article, the RWQCB shall assign the waste to Group A, Group B, or Group C according to the following criteria:

(1) Group A--mining wastes of Group A are wastes that must be managed as hazardous waste pursuant to Chapter 11 of Division 4.5, of Title 22 of this code, provided the RWQCB finds that such mining wastes pose a significant threat to water quality;

(2) Group B--mining waste of Group B are either:
(A) mining wastes that consist of or contain hazardous wastes, that qualify for a variance under Chapter 11 of Division 4.5, of Title 22 of this code, provided that the RWQCB finds that such mining wastes pose a low risk to water quality; or

(B) mining wastes that consist of or contain nonhazardous soluble pollutants of concentrations which exceed water quality objectives for, or could cause, degradation of waters of the state; or

(3) Group C--mining wastes from Group C are wastes from which any discharge would be in compliance with the applicable water quality control plan, including water quality objectives other than turbidity.

(c) Classification Considerations--In reaching decisions regarding classification of a mining waste as a Group B or Group C waste, the RWQCB can consider the following factors:

(1) whether the waste contains hazardous constituents only at low concentrations;

(2) whether the waste has no or low acid-generating potential; and

(3) whether, because of its intrinsic properties, the waste is readily containable by less stringent measures.

(d) Treatment--Mining waste shall be treated or neutralized whenever feasible to minimize the threat to water quality and minimize the need to install waste containment structures.

1. New section, including Table 1.1 filed 6-18-97; operative 7-18-97 (Register 97, No. 25).

Note: Authority cited: Section 1058, Water Code. Reference: Sections 13172, Water Code; and Section 43103, Public Resources Code.

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