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 17.24.632 - PERMANENT SEALING OF DRILLED HOLES

(1) When no longer needed for its intended use as approved by the department and if not transferred as a water well under ARM 17.24.647, each prospecting hole, other drilled hole, borehole, or well must be abandoned according to the procedures described in ARM 17.24.1005. Other exposed underground openings must also be abandoned in accordance with ARM 17.24.1005 or, with department approval, be cased, sealed, or otherwise managed to prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering the ground or surface waters, to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and to ensure safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife, and machinery in the permit area and adjacent areas.