§ 156.385. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

(A) The intent of the M, Mining District is to accommodate coal mining as an interim land use in Williamstown Township. The provisions in this subchapter are intended to balance the need for fuel for businesses and homes against other needs to protect the safety and general welfare of township residents; to provide control over the extent and operation of mining activities; to ensure full and proper reclamation of mining sites; and to require the use of appropriate environmental management techniques.

(B) In that coal mining is a major land transformation and replacement process occurring over a lengthy time period it is necessary to acknowledge its character as an interim land use and to ensure reasonable, realistic and economically viable end uses that are compatible with surrounding uses and zoning districts and sympathetic to the constraints of reclaimed mine land. It is the intent of the mining district that upon cessation of mining activity and full reclamation of the affected areas, that the Planning Commission will initiate a study of the subject parcels(s) to determine the appropriate zoning classification for the property, using the township Master Plan as a basis for their study. Upon conclusion of such a study, it is intended that the Planning Commission proceed to amend the zoning classification for the property.

(Ord., § 24.01, passed - -)