§ 27-445.02. Surface mining; sand and gravel wet-processing.

(a)

In order for any surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing operation to continue, the requirements of this Section shall be met.

(b)

The purposes of this Section are to prevent or control the detrimental effects of surface mining and sand and gravel wet-processing operations upon neighboring properties, and existing and proposed land uses in the general area.

(c)

All surface mining and sand and gravel wet-processing operations shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

The uses shall be operated in full compliance with applicable extraction and surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing regulations;

(2)

For the safety of residents and property, the operator of the facility shall take effective measures to control the speed of trucks utilizing his facility and neighboring streets;

(3)

The operator shall avoid depositing any debris upon any existing streets; and

(4)

The owner of the subject property shall be required to post and maintain a permanent, durable sign identifying the use as a surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing operation, in accordance with the requirements of Section 27-629.

(d)

On land which is located within a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, surface mining, sand and gravel wet-processing, or wash plants, including ponds, spoil sites, and equipment, are prohibited within the Buffer, as defined in the Conservation Manual. In addition, no surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing shall be located within:

(1)

Designated habitat protection areas, as described in the Conservation Manual;

(2)

The Buffer area, as defined in the Conservation Manual;

(3)

Any area where the use would result in the substantial loss of long-range (twenty-five (25) years or more) productivity of forest and agriculture, or result in a degrading of water quality; or

(4)

An area containing highly erodible soils.

(CB-17-1984; CB-72-1987)