Current Status Bill Number:1411 Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution CR Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:19960509 Primary Sponsor:Alexander All Sponsors:Alexander Drafted Document Number:gjk\22835sd.96 Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee 01 SANR Subject:Mineral prospecting operations in upper Chauga River
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________ Senate 19960509 Introduced, referred to Committee 01 SANRView additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE TO DENY A PERMIT APPLICATION TO CONDUCT MINERAL PROSPECTING OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS IN THE UPPER CHAUGA RIVER WATERSHED.
Whereas, the City of Westminster and much of its surrounding rural areas in Oconee County obtain drinking water from the Chauga River; and
Whereas, the quality of the water supply is dependent upon the condition of public and private lands in the Chauga River watershed upstream of the collection point; and
Whereas, the water supply has been negatively impacted by upstream activities in the recent past; and
Whereas, the United States Forest Service is considering an application for a permit to conduct mineral prospecting in the Chauga River watershed; and
Whereas, it is very likely that mineral prospecting will lead to an application for a permit to operate a commercial mine on public lands in the upper Chauga River watershed; and
Whereas, the type of commercial activity which could occur is very likely to involve certain large areas of the upper Chauga River watershed and the use of chemicals to process the ore; and
Whereas, due to the steep terrain, erodible soils, and high rainfall, the probability of catastrophic failure of containment structures is very high; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina believe that such an endeavor would adversely affect the health and welfare of the people of Westminster and Oconee County, and consequently is not in the best interests of this State or our Nation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Forest Service to deny a permit application to conduct mineral prospecting operations on public lands in the upper Chauga River watershed.
Be it further resolved that if the United States Forest Service determines to grant a permit application to conduct mineral prospecting operations or to conduct mining operations as a a result of the prospecting operations, the General Assembly hereby requests the Forest Service to require such operations to be conducted in conformity with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mining operations.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the United States Forest Service.