The goal of Department of Conservation's Division of Mine Reclamation Lead Agency Review and Assistance (LARA) Program is to ensure effective local administration of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) through vetted reclamation plans, comprehensive annual mine inspections, and rigorously reviewed financial assurance cost estimates in addition to uniform application of surface mining laws and regulation throughout California. The LARA Program provides customer assistance and support on SMARA-related issues and review of lead agencies to evaluate compliance with SMARA. The review order for the lead agencies is in the approximate order found on the list generated in October 2016 (see below).
LARA PROGRAM REVIEW FINAL REPORTS
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
Lead Agency Review Order (PDF)
The lead agency review order calculation is discussed in the LARA Program Guidelines. A key factor considered in development of the list includes the lead agency record in submitting required SMARA documents including the surface mining inspection report (Form MRRC-1), the financial assurance cost estimate, and the financial assurance mechanism.
LARA Program Guidelines (PDF)
The LARA Program Guidelines describe what a lead agency should expect during a LARA Program review. LARA Program reviews are guided by these Guidelines, which summarize the process developed through stakeholder input at public workshops held in late 2015 and early 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
The Frequently Asked Questions represent the most common questions received during public workshops held in late 2015 and early 2016.
