Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.7 - Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act: Topsoiling, Revegetation, and Protection of Wildlife and Air Resources
Rule 17.24.702 - REDISTRIBUTION AND STOCKPILING OF SOIL
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) After salvage, soil must be immediately redistributed according to the requirements of (5) and (6) on areas graded to the approved postmining topography.
(2) Salvaged soil must be stockpiled if graded areas are not immediately available for redistribution. Soil stockpiles must be located where they will not be disturbed by mining operations and will not be lost to wind or water erosion. Compaction, contamination, and degradation of stockpiles must be minimized. Stockpiled soil must not be rehandled until replaced on regraded areas, unless authorized by the department.
(3)
(4) Prior to redistribution of soil or soil substitutes, regraded areas must be:
(5) The operator shall, during and after redistribution, prevent, to the extent possible, spoil and soil compaction, protect against soil erosion, contamination, and degradation, and minimize the deterioration of the biological properties of the soil.
(6) Soil must be redistributed in a manner that achieves thicknesses consistent with soil resource availability and appropriate for the postmining vegetation, land uses, contours, and surface water drainage systems.
(7) Redistributed soil must be reconditioned by subsoiling or other appropriate methods approved by the department. Soil reconditioning must be done on the contour, whenever possible.
AUTH: 82-4-205, MCA; IMP: 82-4-232, MCA