Olympic Times

There are three proposed ordinances in Clallam County that will determine the size of mineral resource lands and the way they are regulated in the county, and county commissions said they need the public to voice their opinions on the county's comprehensive plan for mine and zoning at an upcoming hearing.

Mineral resource lands are lands that have long-term commercial significance for mineral extraction.

Some proposals listed in the county’s comprehensive plan include designating 272,000 acres of land as MRL’s and designating existing mines as MRL’s, according to the Peninsula Daily News.

In late September, a handful of local residents voiced their concerns about how MRL’s may impact their communities.

Darlene Schanfald, a member of Protect the Peninsula’s Future and the North Olympic Group of the Sierra Club told county commissioners“...I think this is overreach in terms of amount of land, and we strongly oppose the overlays and the impacts it would have to residents anywhere near these sites,” according to the Peninsula Daily News.

Due to concerns voiced by residents at the initial hearing, commissioners are expected to make changes to their proposals and address the public again at the next hearing scheduled on October 13.

“The citizens of Clallam County recognize mining as an important part of the local and regional economy,” Greg Ballard, senior planner with the Department of Community Development told county commissioners, according to the Peninsula Daily News.

“Mineral resources such as sand and gravel supply materials for road maintenance and construction projects throughout the region. The community seeks to achieve a balance between the need for mineral resources and the need to protect the environment and the community from any adverse impacts of mining through best management practices, reclamation and restoration,” Ballard said.