Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.8 - Strip and Underground Reclamation Act: Alluvial Valley Floors, Prime Farmlands, Alternate Reclamation, and Auger Mining
Rule 17.24.802 - ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS: PROTECTION OF FARMING AND PREVENTION OF MATERIAL DAMAGE
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1)
(2) Strip or underground coal mining and reclamation operations must not cause material damage to the quality or quantity of water in surface or underground water systems that supply alluvial valley floors. If environmental monitoring shows that the strip or underground coal mining operation is causing material damage to water that supplies alluvial valley floors, the mining operations must cease until remedial measures are taken by the operator. The remedial measures must be approved by the department prior to the resumption of mining operations.
(3) Sections (1) and (2) of this rule do not apply to those lands which were identified in a reclamation plan approved by the department before August 3, 1977, for any strip or underground coal mining and reclamation operation that, in the year preceding August 3, 1977:
AUTH: 82-4-205, MCA; IMP: 82-4-227, 82-4-231, MCA