Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA, Public Resources Code, Sections 2710-2796) provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition.

SMARA also encourages the production, conservation, and protection of the state’s mineral resources. Public Resources Code Section 2207 provides annual reporting requirements for all mines in the state, under which the State Mining and Geology Board is also granted authority and obligations.

Mendocino County recognizes that extraction of minerals, primarily sand and gravel, is essential to development and the continued economic well-being of our local communities, as well as across the State.

Mendocino County currently has 29 active mining sites within its boundaries. All surface mining operations that disturb greater than one acre, or move more than one thousand cubic yards of material, are required to have a reclamation plan prior to beginning any surface mining activity.

Surface mining operations subject to SMARA must go through a local public hearing process in order to obtain an approved Use Permit and/or Reclamation Plan to mine. Operators of the surface mining operation must also obtain adequate financial assurances to ensure that mined lands can be successfully reclaimed to a condition beneficial for subsequent land use.

Mine Locations in Mendocino County

The following picture shows the locations of the current active mining sites in the County. Access a larger interactive map.

As the Lead Agency under SMARA, Mendocino County is required to perform annual operations of all active mining sites within the County to ensure that:

• Operations are adhering to local permit conditions and SMARA regulations
• Any adverse impacts to the environment are minimized
• Any residual hazards to public health and safety are eliminated
• Mined lands are reclaimed to a useable condition OR returned to the state of the lands prior to mining operations

The County prepares and submits annual inspection reports to the Department of Conservation's Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR) for review. This ensures that effective local administration of SMARA occurs.

All Fees listed are current as of June 26 2023:

Local Ordinances

Surface mining in Mendocino County is regulated at a local level by Chapter 22.16 of the Mendocino County Code of Ordinances. You can find out more here:

• Chapter 22.16 - Surface Mining and Reclamation

State Ordinances

• SMARA Statutes and Regulations

Division of Mine Reclamation

The Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR) was created to provide a measure of oversight for local governments as they administer SMARA within their respective jurisdictions. You can find out more about DMR here:

• Division of Mine Reclamation

Financial Assurance

SMARA requires that each mining operation have a financial assurance to ensure that reclamation is performed in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. For more information, follow this link:

• Financial Assurance Information