Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.6 - Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act: Transportation Facilities, Use of Explosives, and Hydrology
Rule 17.24.631 - GENERAL HYDROLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) The permittee shall plan and conduct mining and reclamation operations to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance and to prevent material damage to the prevailing hydrologic balance outside the permit area.
(2) Changes in water quality and quantity, in the depth to ground water, and in the location of surface water drainage channels must be minimized so that the postmining land use of the disturbed land is not adversely affected and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations are not violated.
(3)
(4) If pollution can be controlled only by treatment, the permittee shall operate and maintain the necessary water treatment facilities for as long as treatment is required. The department may specify which practices, used to minimize water pollution, may be used on a permanent basis.
AUTH: 82-4-205, MCA; IMP: 82-4-231, MCA