The bill amends RCW 78.44.085 to establish new surface mine reclamation permit fees and revise existing fee structures. It specifies that applicants for various types of reclamation permits, including revisions, expansions, and new permits, must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $4,500. Additionally, the annual permit fee for public or private permit holders is set at $3,500, with a reduced fee of $2,500 for public works projects under certain conditions. The bill also clarifies that production records and trade secrets submitted to the department will remain confidential and outlines the consequences for failing to pay annual fees, which may include suspension of mining operations or cancellation of permits.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the department to advise applicants on necessary information within 60 days of receiving an application and allows for the referral of delinquent fees to a collection agency. It also states that all fees collected will be deposited into the surface mining reclamation account and may be allocated to local governments if enforcement responsibilities are delegated. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the permitting process and ensure compliance with fee requirements in the surface mining sector.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 78.44.085
Bill as Passed Legislature: 78.44.085
Session Law: 78.44.085