Sand and Gravel Operations

The Sand and Gravel Management section of the Engineering Division of the Flood Control District regulates sand and gravel (S&G) operations within watercourses in accordance with the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County. A Floodplain Use Permit is required for every prospective S&G operation. This permit is issued when a sand and gravel operation can prove their facility will not obstruct the natural flow of the watercourse, will not cause damage to adjacent structures or properties, will maintain the continuity of flows and sediment, and will preserve the natural and beneficial function of the watercourse.

S&G operations without permits are subject to penalties and the cessation of their operations per Article Seven – Enforcement – of the Floodplain Regulations of Maricopa County. The District conducts inspections of ongoing compliant S&G operations every six months, and inspects non-compliant S&G operations quarterly. Violation notices are issued to S&G operations not in compliance with their conditions of permit.

The District's sand and gravel management section of the Engineering Division provides competent, timely technical reviews of S&G permit submittals. All permit applications are reviewed and granted or denied in accordance with state statutes and licensing time frames adopted by the District Board of Directors. A database with S&G permit holders and site information is maintained by the District.

A detailed fee schedule for both permits and inspections can be found at the end of the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County.

Pursuant to Article Four of the Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County, S&G permit holders are required to submit submit a closure plan to return their site to a stable geomorphic state that can withstand a 100-year flood event. This is in addition to, and not superseded by, any requirements of the Arizona State Mine Inspector for reclamation.

The District maintains a collaborative dialog with representatives of the S&G industry regarding permitting, fees, technical information, enforcement and inspections, and also coordinates with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (air quality/construction), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (water quality, Clean Water Act Section 401), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Clean Water Act Sections 401/404) in regulating S&G operations.

If you have questions about the Flood Control District's sand and gravel permitting program, please contact Jack Guzman at (602) 506-7591 or JackGuzman@mail.maricopa.gov.

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