Author: dprovenzanosc

Dorchester County is working to update their Zoning and Land Development Standards, specifically section 10.4.11, Supplemental Provisions as related to Mineral Resource Extraction Operations (mining). Below draft of Dorchester County’s new sand mine ordinance was presented to the Conservation Commission for comment. The draft ordinance will next go to the Planning Commission for discussion and  emendations at their Meeting next.

A vote will be required from the  Planning Commission; the ordinance, if passed, will go forward with recommendations  to County Council, who will conduct 3 readings, allowing opportunity for public comment.  County Council will then vote to determine whether it will be enacted or not.

Concerns arose at the Conservation Commission about some portions of this draft ordinance, particularly relating to Section 5 and the location of sand mines near schools, etc.

The public should provide input to the Conservation Commission, the Planning Commission (the most important and expedient if done before tomorrow’s meeting), the  Planning Department, and County Council—or better yet, all four  at once.

Planning Commission: Mr Rich Symuleski (appointee) rasymuleski@gmail.com
Conservation Commission: Mr Pete Weathers (appointee)  pete.weathers@gmail.com
Dorchester County Parks and Recreation (employee): Mr Eric Davis edavis@dorchestercountysc.gov
Dorchester County Planning Department (employee): Ms Kiera Reinertsen KReinertsen@dorchestercountysc.gov

The following is the text of the proposed draft section.

10.4.11 Mineral Resource Extraction Operations

(a) Applications. All applications for mineral resource extractions shall include the following:

(1) Copy of the DHEC application and permit (if issued)

(2) Copy of the SCDOT or Dorchester County Encroachment Permit

(3) Site plan indicating compliance with the site requirement provisions in section (b) below.

(b) Site Requirements. All mineral resource extraction operations shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Apron. To keep mud/dirt off the roadways, all sites shall provide a 100’ apron of clean, demudding, non-limestone aggregate such as slag or granite at the entrance drive. The first 25’ shall be #57, after that, #4 can be used. SCDOT or Dorchester County may require additional improvements as part of the Encroachment Permit.

(2) Entrance gate. Gates at the entrance to the site shall be located at least 100’ from the roadway.

(3) Signage. An emergency contact sign not to exceed four square feet with light reflective and minimum four inch letters that includes the name of the operator and an after-hours monitored phone number must be erected at the entrance. The sign must be placed a minimum of 10’ but no more than 25’ from the road right-of-way, and must be appropriately maintained throughout the operation of the mine site. In addition, temporary directional and warning signage at/near points of ingress/egress shall be installed for the duration of the mining activity.

(4) Buffers.

i. Where adjacent to developed properties (non-industrial), a 50’ natural buffer, to include a 15’ berm, is required along property lines. The berm must be installed within 12 months after initiating operations and shall be installed on the portion of the site closest to residences first.

ii. Where adjacent to undeveloped properties, a 100’ Type C buffer is required. A 50’ natural buffer, to include a 15’ berm, can be substituted for the Type C buffer. If no or insufficient buffer vegetation exists, the 50’ natural buffer, to include a 15’ berm, shall be required in lieu of the 100’ Type C buffer. Berms must be installed within 12 months after initiating operations.

iii. Where adjacent to industrial, agriculture, timber, or protected property, a 50’ natural buffer is required.

iv. A natural buffer is defined as land left in its natural state and allowed to grow undisturbed. Clearing within the buffer for a berm is allowed.

(5) Fences. Mines abutting obvious gathering places for children, such as but not limited to, a public or private school, a public park or public recreation area, a youth activity center, a public library, or a licensed child care facility shall be secured by installing a 6’ fence. Fence must run along the affected property line and turn at the corners. SC DHEC may require additional improvements as part of their Mine Operating Permit.

(6) Noise.

i. Operations shall be limited to 90 dB during operational hours as measured at the property line.

ii. Dewatering pumps that run after operational hours shall utilize sound attenuated enclosures, sound attenuating materials or barriers, or other sound mitigation measures to limit noise levels to 50 dB as measured at the property line after operational hours.

(7) Hours of Operation. Operational hours are limited to 6:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and 7:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays.

(c) Reporting Requirements. All mineral resource extraction operations shall submit copies of their Solid Waste and Mining Report and their Bureau of Water Report to the Department of Planning & Zoning on an annual basis. 

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