Staff: county will rely on consultant, pursue SMAR certification for mining inspections

Commissioners asked who would manage the mining program now that staff are being onboarded. Staff said currently no one on staff is certified; the department will work with an on-call consultant (SHN out of Redding) to provide licensed SMAR individuals while new hires obtain certification.

"We are going to be working on staff obtaining that, you know, the SMART certification that we have to have," the director said, and noted inspections are being scheduled and the county will notify affected parties. Staff said they expect to finalize arrangements with the consultant and ensure annual inspections occur before required deadlines.

Commissioners and staff agreed that using the consultant in the short term provides necessary coverage while training and certification proceed, and staff will provide contact information for inspectors and follow up with the commission as scheduling is finalized.