Mining

Most mining in Georgia involves sand, kaolin, and crushed stone, all of which are considered surface mining. The primary permit required is the Georgia Surface Mining Permit, administered by EPD. As part of your permit application, you will be required to submit a Mining Land Use Plan. Depending on the location and type of operation, additional permits, such as NPDES Industrial Stormwater, Air Quality, and Land Disturbance Permits may be required. Additionally, county or municipal planning and zoning approval may also be required.

The permitting timeline depends largely on the complexity of the project. Once all required city or county approvals have been obtained, a new surface mining application typically takes 3-6 months to be reviewed and approved by EPD, providing there are no extenuating circumstances, such as wetland or stream impacts. EPD does not guarantee a review timeline for permits and the permit will not be issued until the application is complete, the Mining Land Use Plan is approved, and the financial assurance has been provided.

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) identifies potential sources of stormwater pollution and outline the best management practices the facility will use to prevent sediment and other pollutants from leaving the site. While not every mine is required to have a SWPPP, most active mining operations do. Any mine covered under Georgia's NPDES Industrial Stormwater General Permit must develop and maintain a SWPPP.

Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) does not have a fixed inspection schedule for operational mines; however, they inspect mines periodically based on their environmental risk, complaints received, compliance history, and permit status. These inspections focus on environmental compliance, stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and permit or boundary compliance. Triple Point frequently helps clients prepare for EPD inspections and attends inspections with our clients to ensure they go smoothly and any issues can be promptly addressed.

Once mining operations cease, the site enters a process known as reclamation, the goal of which is to return the land to a safe and stable condition so the property can support its planned future use, which may include recreational or agricultural land use. The mine's approved Mining Land Use Plan outlines the process for reclamation, and often includes stabilizing drainage features, removing equipment, regrading disturbed areas to create stable slopes, establishing permanent vegetation, and replacing topsoil.

Yes, Triple Point has provided engineering and environmental consulting services for mining operations throughout the Southeast and beyond, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, and is available to assist mining clients wherever our expertise is needed.

Yes, Triple Point provides groundwater, stormwater, and methane monitoring services for mining, industrial, and government clients. Our experienced environmental professionals collect samples, analyze data, prepare reports, and help clients meet ongoing regulatory requirements.​

Maintaining compliance with Georgia EPD regulations requires ongoing attention throughout the life of a mining operation. Triple Point provides comprehensive environmental compliance services to help clients meet their permit requirements and avoid costly violations. Ongoing compliance assistance includes regular site inspections, erosion and sediment control evaluations, process water sampling and analysis, performing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan inspections, documenting and helping address any corrective actions, and filing necessary paperwork with EPD. ​​​​​​