2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 82. Minerals, Oil, and Gas › Chapter 4. Reclamation › Part 4. Opencut Mining Reclamation › 82-4-442. Suspension and revocation orders

82-4-442. Suspension and revocation orders.
(1) (a) The department may, after affording the operator an opportunity for an informal conference, order the suspension of a permit if:
(i) the operator fails to comply with a penalty order or a corrective action order issued pursuant to 82-4-441; or
(ii) the operator has violated this part, a rule adopted pursuant to this part, or the permit and the violation could reasonably be expected to create a danger to the health or safety of persons outside the permit area or significant environmental harm to land, air, or water. The order of suspension must be served on the operator personally or by certified mail addressed to the permanent address shown on the most recently filed annual report. The order of suspension must specify the provision of this part, the rules adopted under this part, or the permit violated and the facts alleged to constitute the violation and must, if the violation has not been corrected, order corrective action within a specified time period.
(b) The department may order immediate suspension of a permit whenever it finds that a violation of this part, the rules adopted under this part, or a permit is creating an imminent danger to the health or safety of persons outside the permit area. The order must require immediate corrective action.
(c) The operator upon whom an order is served may file a request for hearing with the board within 30 days of service of the order. The request for hearing must specify the reason for the request. The filing of a request for hearing on an order issued does not stay the suspension or corrective action requirement, but the board may, upon written request of the operator, stay either or both of these requirements.
(2) If the operator has not complied with the requirements set forth in the order of suspension within the time limits set in the order, the permit may be revoked by order of the department and the performance bond forfeited to the department. The operator may request a hearing before the board by submitting a written request stating the reason for the request to the board within 30 days after service of the order. If a hearing is requested within the 30-day period, the permit may not be revoked and the bond may not be forfeited until the board makes a final decision.
(3) If an operator fails to file the report required under 82-4-437, the department shall serve personally or by certified mail a notice letter informing the operator of the failure. If the operator does not file the report within 30 days of receipt of the letter, the department may issue a penalty order pursuant to 82-4-441 or a suspension order pursuant to this section. If the permit has been suspended, the department shall reinstate the permit upon compliance.
(4) Maintenance, monitoring, reporting, reclamation, and other activities required by statute, rule, or the permit and intended to protect public health or safety or the environment must continue during any period of suspension unless otherwise provided in the order.
History: En. Sec. 16, Ch. 385, L. 2007.