Quarries and Mines

Clark County regulates mines and quarries through the Surface Mining Overlay Ordinance CCC 40.250.022 and individual Conditional Use Permits (CUPs). There are 10 active quarries under the jurisdiction of Clark County. Additionally, several inactive quarries are in reclamation phases. The most active quarries – Livingston Mountain, Yacolt Mountain Top, and Daybreak Quarry – have been issued CUPs. Clark County Code Enforcement works with quarry operators along with state and local regulatory agencies to ensure mines and quarries are compliant with all applicable codes, laws and CUPs.

Resource Links

Surface Mining Overlay District - Clark County Code Chapter 40.250.022 :

Public Disturbance Noises - Clark County Code Chapter 9.14

Conditional Use Permits - Clark County Code Chapter 40.520.030

Enforcement - Clark County Code Title 32

Surface Mining - Revised Code of Washington Chapter 78.44

Maximum Environmental Noise Levels - Washington Administrative Code Chapter 173-60

Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Standards - Washington Administrative Code Chapter 173-62

Mine Safety - Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
Safety Standards for Possession, Handling and Use of Explosives - Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-52.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rules take precedence for operational purposes, CCC 40.250.022 Surface Mining Overlay Ordinance or the quarry’s Conditional Use Permit?

CCC 40.250.022 (B) (2) Applicability: “Operation of existing surface mines and related uses shall conform to the conditions of approval adopted with their site plan and/or conditional use approval.” In other words, if a quarry operation was issued a “conditional use permit” (CUP) before the adoption of CCC 40.250.022, the quarry operation must comply with conditions in their CUP. The most active quarries operate under CUPs.

What is the maximum level of noise allowed to be emitted by gravel trucks? Are the gravel trucks in compliance with State and County code?

According to WAC 173-62 Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Standards, a truck heavier than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating on a 50 mph road can emit 90 decibels of noise when measured at 50 feet. This is equivalent to the noise produced by the average lawn mower. On numerous occasions, Clark County Enforcement has surveyed truck noise near quarry operations in the county. Although they can be noisy, county staff has found gravel trucks to comply with state and county noise codes.

County signage on roads near the quarry prohibits the use of unmuffled compression brakes. Why are the trucks still using their compression brakes?

Trucks are allowed to use muffled compression brakes as long as they comply with WAC 173-62 Vehicle Noise Performance Standards. Muffled compression brakes are an important piece of equipment for the operator of the gravel truck, as this tool is often used in conjunction with the truck’s wheel brakes to maintain safe speeds when traveling down steep road grades. Unmuffled compression brakes are much louder than muffled compression brakes.

Are trucks required to cover their loads with a tarp under the quarry’s conditional use permit?

There are no specific conditions requiring trucks to be tarped. However, if you see dust and debris falling off a truck in significant quantities, call Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Phone: 360.397.2211 ext. 1624. If there is an immediate threat to public health and safety, call 911.

Which agency do I contact regarding truck traffic safety concerns?

Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Phone: 360.397.2211 ext. 1624. If there is an immediate threat to public health and safety, call 911.

Which agency regulates dust emissions from the quarry?

Southwest Clean Air Agency issues the Air Discharge Permit for crushing operations. Phone: 360.574.3058

Which agency regulates stormwater discharge from the quarry?

Washington State Department of Ecology issues the Sand and Gravel General Permit. Phone: 360.407.6292

Which agency regulates quarry reclamation (restoring land that has been mined)?

Washington State Department of Natural Resources issues reclamation permits. Phone: 360.902.1452

Which agency regulates rock blasting and explosives use?

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries regulates rock blasting and explosive use. Phone: 360.902.5563.

Which agency regulates mine safety?

The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration regulates general mine safety. Phone: 202.693.9400