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The Sand and Gravel Management branch of the Regulatory Division of the Flood Control District regulates sand and gravel (S&G) operations within watercourses in accordance with the Floodplain Regulations of 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 the Enforcement Rules for violations 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 branch provides competent, timely technical reviews of S&G permit submittals. Most permit applications are reviewed and approved within six weeks after the initial submission, unless multiple revisions are required. Subsequent S&G permit revisions are reviewed within two weeks after the initial submittal has been received. The permit fee structure recovers all costs associated with administering the S&G permit program. 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 of Maricopa County document.
Pursuant to Section 801(B) of the Floodplain Regulations of Maricopa County, S&G permit holders are required to submit reclamation plans 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 This is in addition to, and not superseded by, any requirements of the Arizona State Mine Inspector for reclamation.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 Tom Wergen at (602) 506-7591 or tew@mail.maricopa.gov.
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