Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.1 - Rules and Regulations Governing the Montana Hard Rock Mining Reclamation Act
Rule 17.24.168 - MILLS: OPERATING PLANS
Universal Citation: MT Admin Rules 17.24.168
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) An application for an operating permit pursuant to ARM 17.24.167 must contain an operating plan that contains each of the following:
(a) a description of the existing
environment;
(b) a plan of
operations that includes:
(i) all of the
matters required by
82-4-335(3) (d) through
(k), MCA, excepting the mine map;
(ii) maps enhancing narratives which use the
same base and scale as required by ARM
17.24.167(2) (c);
where appropriate;
(iii) a
description of the design, construction, and operation of the mill, tailings,
and waste rock disposal facilities;
(iv) a list of equipment and chemicals to be
used in the operation by location and task;
(v) a description of all buildings and
identification of mill design capacity;
(vi) a description of topsoil salvage and
stockpiling activities;
(vii) a
description of the general chemical processes and the purpose and amount and
source of water used in the operation and the amount and disposition of any
process wastewater or solutions to be disposed;
(viii) a description of the power needs and
source(s), including fuel storage sites;
(ix) sewage treatment and facilities and
solid waste disposal sites;
(x) a
description of the transportation network to be used or built during the
construction and operation phases, and a listing of the type and amount of
traffic at mill capacity;
(xi) a
description of the fire protection plan and the toxic spill contingency plan
and a certification that notice of the filing of the plan has been provided to
the state fire marshal;
(xii) plans
describing the design and operation of all diversions and impounding structures
and sediment control. Descriptions shall be detailed enough to provide an
accurate depiction of the safety, utility and stability of such
structures;
(xiii) a discussion of
predicted noise levels by activities during construction and operational
phases;
(xiv) a discussion of the
potential and known archaeological and cultural values in the area of potential
environmental effect for the project and a discussion of how such values are to
be given consideration;
(xv)
provisions for the prevention of wind erosion of all disturbed areas;
(xvi) a description of the provisions for
protection of off-site flora and fauna;
(xvii) plans for the monitoring of ground
water and surface water until continuous compliance with water quality
standards is demonstrated, and a contingency plan in case of accidental
discharge describing remedial action in cases requiring emergency
action;
(xviii) a plan for the
protection of topsoil stockpiles from erosion and contamination; and
(xix) a listing of known sources and volumes
of incoming ore, tailings, or waste rock.
(c)
(i)
anticipated employment including both direct and onsite contract
employees;
(ii) if the mill is
proposed to be operated in conjunction with a mine operated by applicant,
personnel requirements by location and task for construction and operation
phases. (Operations meeting the definition of "large scale mineral development"
in 90-6-302, MCA, must also comply
with the Hard Rock Impact Act, Title 90, chapter 6, part 3, MCA).
(2) Annual reports must be submitted consistent with 82-4-339, MCA, and include in addition:
(a) sources and volumes of incoming
ore;
(b) volumes of tailings or
waste generated;
(c) water
monitoring report;
(d) remaining
waste and tails capacity.
(3) Plans submitted under ARM 17.24.167, 17.24.168, and 17.24.169, must be consistent with plans filed with other permitting authorities.
82-4-321, MCA; IMP, 82-4-335, MCA;
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Montana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.