MINERAL RESOURCES AND MINING REGULATOR EDUCATION FROM CONSERVATION EASEMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING: EXAMPLES FROM VIRGINIA

An obstacle often encountered by geologists when attempting to obtain regulatory approval for a project such as a conservation easement with a mineral resources component or a permit to extract a mineral resource is regulators with limited knowledge of geology or mining or no experience in these fields. This presentation will review an on-going discussion between the Virginia Department of Taxation attorneys and several land owners regarding multiple contested conservation easements on parcels with proven mineral resources, demonstrated market demand and a history of mining documented through permits and aerial photography. Information will also be provided about the educational efforts of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) which includes educational videos on aggregates mining and the “DEQ Mining School” for DEQ water, wetland and air permit writers. The DEQ Mining School educates attendees about mining and the need for permits. It also includes a presentation by VTCA Environmental Committee Members and a site tour of a quarry where wetland permits have been obtained and on-site mitigation projects can be examined and discussed. VTCA has received very positive feedback from DEQ.