WAC 365-190-070   Mineral resource lands.  (1) Counties and cities shall identify and classify aggregate and mineral resource lands from which the extraction of minerals occurs or can be anticipated. Other proposed land uses within these areas may require special attention to ensure future supply of aggregate and mineral resource material, while maintaining a balance of land uses.

     (2) Classification criteria. Areas shall be classified as mineral resource lands based on geologic, environmental, and economic factors, existing land uses, and land ownership. The areas to be studied and their order of study shall be specified by counties and cities.

     (a) Counties and cities should classify lands with long-term commercial significance for extracting at least the following minerals: Sand, gravel, and valuable metallic substances. Other minerals may be classified as appropriate.

     (b) In classifying these areas, counties and cities should consider maps and information on location and extent of mineral deposits provided by the Washington state department of natural resources and the United States Bureau of Mines. Additionally, the department of natural resources has a detailed minerals classification system counties and cities may choose to use.

     (c) Counties and cities should consider classifying known and potential mineral deposits so that access to mineral resources of long-term commercial significance is not knowingly precluded.

     (d) In classifying mineral resource lands, counties and cities shall also consider the effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by:

     (i) General land use patterns in the area;

     (ii) Availability of utilities;

     (iii) Availability and adequacy of water supply;

     (iv) Surrounding parcel sizes and surrounding uses;

     (v) Availability of public roads and other public services;

     (vi) Subdivision or zoning for urban or small lots;

     (vii) Accessibility and proximity to the point of use or market;

     (viii) Physical and topographic characteristics of the mineral resource site;

     (ix) Depth of the resource;

     (x) Depth of the overburden;

     (xi) Physical properties of the resource including quality and type;

     (xii) Life of the resource; and

     (xiii) Resource availability in the region.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.050. 91-07-041, § 365-190-070, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91.]