Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.3 - Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act: Definitions and Strip Mine Permit Application Requirements
Rule 17.24.306 - BASELINE INFORMATION: PRIME FARMLAND INVESTIGATION

(1) The application must contain the results of a prime farmland investigation developed in consultation with the U.S. natural resources conservation service to determine whether lands within the proposed permit area are prime farmlands as defined in ARM 17.24.301.

(2) If the lands in question have not "historically been used for cropland" as that term is defined in ARM 17.24.301, the applicant must submit a request for a negative determination for these lands with documentation supporting this request.

(3) If the lands in question have historically been used for cropland, the applicant shall, in consultation with the Montana state office of the U.S. natural resources conservation service, determine if any soils, characterized and described in accordance with ARM 17.24.304(1) (k), on these lands meet the criteria of prime farmlands as contained in 7 CFR 657;