Oregon Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative

Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative
1997 Phase 1 Workplans

DOGAM1 - Mine Inspections

Summary of Measure: The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will coordinate identification and correction of turbid runoff or other problems that have potential to harm salmon or other anadromous fish or their habitat. Steps will be taken to stop such incidents by working with mine operators to develop better mining or reclamation techniques.

Background: The Mined Land Reclamation Program has been in existence for 25 years and consists of a permitting process for upland surface mine sites in Oregon to ensure responsible development of mineral resources. A mining and reclamation plan must be submitted and approved before permits are issued. Financial security is required in the event a mine operator cannot reclaim a site. Field inspections and consultations with mine operators are performed. Purposes include environmental protection and subsequent beneficial use for forestry, farming or other purposes consistent with local land use planning. Through the careful reclamation of mined lands, the program prevents undesirable impacts on environment and facilitates the long-term usefulness of lands for other post-mining purposes.

Goal: Maintain field presence at coastal watershed mine sites to find and correct any incidents that may harm salmonid habitat or fish.

Objective: Use incentives that result in enhanced reclamation beyond the minimum legal standards that are mandated in statute and rules. Perform one field inspection per year at each mine site in a coastal watershed, which is a higher field presence than average for the state as a whole.

Results: Mining operators would be more aware of need to protect habitat for anadromous fish and would conduct activities in a manner that would avoid adverse effects.

Funding: This program is funded from fees required for permits and requires no Phase 2 funding.

DOGAMI2 - Volunteer Assistance To Watershed Councils

Summary of Measure: Locate and recruit volunteer staff and equipment from mining companies to be used by Watershed Councils for conducting projects that need heavy equipment or other services.

Goal: Locate mine operators willing to donate personnel and equipment to assist watershed councils with instream projects.

Background: This is a new initiative started in 1996 to support the Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative.

Objective: Identify mine operators willing to donate services and Watershed Councils that need services. Put operator and Councils in contact with each other so they can coordinate mutual needs and services.

Results: Progress will be made on Council projects that benefit from mine operator involvement.

Funding: No funding at the state level is required.

DOGAMI3 - Mine Reclamation Awards For Fish-Friendly Reclamation

Summary of Measure: Mining reclamation that is beneficial for fish habitat (termed as fish friendly) would be recognized by issuing awards to operators who conduct outstanding work.

Goal: To encourage mine operators to perform reclamation that is fish friendly.

Background: One facet of the Mined Land Reclamation Program consists of annual awards for outstanding mine reclamation. These are given to mine operators by the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. We have added fish-friendly reclamation as a criterion for an award, to encourage operators to conduct fish-friendly reclamation, where a mine lends itself to such reclamation.

Objective: Improve stream habitat by increasing the number of mines reclaimed using fish-friendly techniques.

Results: Mining reclamation would be conducted in a fish-friendly manner, with results documented by the number of awards given each year.

Funding: No state funding is required.

DOGAMI4 - Landslide Studies

Summary of Measure: Conduct erosion and landslide analyses, analyze pits in floodplains and rock sites in areas of landslide potential, and develop policy directions regarding mining in and near streams for the purpose of identifying erosion and landslide hazards. These actions would be conducted in both riparian areas and uplands.

Goal: Identify erosion and landslide hazards through geomorphic studies of aggregate and rock sites and potential sites to assist in future planning and policy direction.

Background: Aggregate mineral sites and potential sites exist in areas such as streams, streambanks, bars, and flood plains; rock sites can exist in landslide-prone upland areas. These areas have not been studied for their erosion or landslide hazards.

Objective: Establish a funding source, staff, policy development, and a program of geomorphology field work to identify slide-prone problem areas. Cooperate with other agencies and the mining industry; identify hazards, as well as spawning and fish passage effects.

Results: A policy-level discussion would occur. Also, a determination would be made about where to get future aggregate and rock resources, taking into account any hazards.

Funding: This measure would require new funding (Phase 2) to support one full-time equivalent (FTE) position to be responsible for addressing erosion and landslide field work and policy development.