The bill amends RCW 78.44.085 to establish new surface mine reclamation permit fees and clarify the application process for various types of permits. It specifies that applicants for a revision of an existing reclamation permit, an expansion of a permitted surface mine, a new reclamation permit, or the combination of existing 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 includes provisions to ensure that production records and trade secrets submitted to the department remain confidential and outlines the consequences for failing to pay annual fees, which may include suspension of mining operations or cancellation of permits. Furthermore, it allows the department to refer delinquent fees to a collection agency and mandates that all fees collected be deposited into the surface mining reclamation account. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process while ensuring adequate funding for reclamation efforts.

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