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 17.24.314 - PLAN FOR PROTECTION OF THE HYDROLOGIC BALANCE
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) Each permit application must contain a detailed description, supported by appropriate maps, data, and other graphics, of the measures to be taken during and after the proposed mining activities to minimize disturbance of the hydrologic balance on and off the mine plan area and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area in accordance with subchapters 4 through 9. The measures must minimize disturbance of the hydrologic balance sufficiently to sustain the approved postmining land use and the performance standards of subchapters 5 through 12 and must provide protection of:
(2) The description must include:
(3) The application must also include a determination pursuant to (1) and (2) of the probable hydrologic consequences of the proposed mining operation, on the proposed mine plan area and adjacent areas, with respect to the hydrologic balance. This determination must:
(4) Whenever this determination in (3) indicates that adverse impacts to the hydrologic balance on or off the permit area may occur, the department shall require submission of supplemental information to evaluate such impacts and to evaluate plans for remedial and long-term reclamation activities.
(5) The department shall provide an assessment of the cumulative hydrologic impacts of the proposed operation and all anticipated mining upon surface and ground water systems in the cumulative impact area. The cumulative hydrologic impact assessment must be sufficient to determine, for purposes of a permit decision, whether the proposed operation has been designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area. The department may allow the applicant to submit data and analyses relevant to the cumulative hydrologic impact assessment with the permit application.
AUTH: 82-4-205, MCA; IMP: 82-4-222, MCA