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 17.24.805 - ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS: SIGNIFICANCE DETERMINATION

(1) The significance of the impact of the proposed operations on farming is based on the relative importance of the vegetation and water of the grazed or hayed alluvial valley floor area to the farm's production, or any more stringent criteria established by the department as suitable for site-specific protection of agricultural activities in alluvial valley floors. The effect of the proposed operations on farming is "significant" if the operations would, over the life of the mine, have more than a negligible impact on the farm's agricultural production. In making the determination of "significance", the department shall consult with the affected landowner(s).