The SMGB represents the State's interest in the development, utilization and conservation of mineral resources; reclamation of mined lands; development of geologic and seismic hazard information; and to provide a forum for public redress.
Note: If you wish to be alerted to the SMGB's ongoing activities, you can be added to the mailing list and/or the e-blast list. Click here for more information.
News
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The SMGB administers certain lead agency responsibilities and obligations pursuant to SMARA (Public Resources Code Section 2710 et seq.) for El Dorado County, and will be conducting a vested rights determination (CCR Section 3950 et seq.) for the surface mining operation known as the Big Cut Mine, located in El Dorado County. Notice is hereby given that the SMGB proposes to hold a public hearing on April 15, 2010, in order to consider whether the proposed Big Cut Mine surface mining operation has vested rights in accordance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA), pursuant to Public Resources Code Division 2, Chapter 9, Article 5, Section 2776. Copies of the Administrative Record are available for review at both the SMGB Offices (801 K Street, Suite 2015, 20th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814), or at the El Dorado County Planning Department (2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667).
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The SMGB administers certain lead agency responsibilities and obligations pursuant to SMARA (Public Resources Code Section 2710 et seq.) for Yuba County, and conducted a vested rights determination (CCR Section 3950 et seq.) for the surface mining operation known as Western Aggregates, Inc. (California Mine Identification No. 91-58-0001), located in Yuba County. On September 11, 2009, the SMGB granted a vested right to mine aggregate for all sections, with the exception of Sections 25, 30, and the southwest corner of Section 34. Notice is hereby given that the SMGB has moved to continue the public hearing to consider whether Western Aggregates, Inc. surface mining operation, located in Yuba County, should have annual production limitations associated with the previously granted vested right to mine. Copies of the Administrative Record are available for review at both the SMGB Offices (801 K Street, Suite 2015, 20th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814), or at the Yuba County Planning Department (915 8th Street, Suite 123, Marysville, CA 95901).
- On October 8, 2009, the SMGB revised and re-adopted their Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan presents a Mission Statement, supported by six Goals. Each of the Goals is sustained by a list of Strategies for achieving those Goals. The Strategies in turn require specific Objectives (tasks) that must be performed.
- At its February 14, 2008, regular business meeting, the SMGB adopted regulatory text which provides an administrative procedure for conducting a vested rights determination when the Board is serving as a lead agency under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA). The proposed regulations were approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on August 14, 2008, pursuant to Section 11349.3 of the Government Code. This regulatory action became effective on September 13, 2008. For the full version of the regulatory text, click here.
- On April 20, 2009, SMGB, CGS and CalCIMA staff received a delegation organized by the Wuhan Environmental Protection and Management of Mines, China. Click here for the story and accompanying photographs.
- On March 11, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger Announced Appointments to the SMGB.
Meeting Information
- The February 11, 2010, State Mining and Geology Board, Regular Business Meeting will be held in Marysville, CA. Click here for the Agenda Notice and Associated Reports.
- The January 14, 2010, State Mining and Geology Board Committee and Regular Business Meetings was held in Palm Springs, CA. Click here for the Agenda Notices and Associated Reports.
- Click here for the SMGB's 2010 meeting calendar.
- NOTE: If you wish to be alerted to this Board's ongoing activities, you can be added to the mailing list and/or the e-blast list. Click here for more information.
board Authorities
The SMGB is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate, for four-year terms. The SMGB serves as a regulatory, policy, and appeals body representing the State's interests in geology, geologic and seismologic hazards, conservation of mineral resources and reclamation of lands following surface mining activities.
The SMGB operates within the Department of Conservation, and is granted certain autonomous responsibilities and obligations under several statutes including the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. The SMGB's general authority is granted under Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 660-678. Specifically, PRC Section 662(b) requires all SMGB members to "represent the general public interest".
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