Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY › Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION › Subchapter 17.24.1 - Rules and Regulations Governing the Montana Hard Rock Mining Reclamation Act › Rule 17.24.169 - MILLS: RECLAMATION PLANS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) An
				application for an operating permit pursuant to ARM
				17.24.167 must contain a plan that
				provides for the reclamation of all the land to be disturbed by the proposed
				milling operation and associated activities. The plan must, at a minimum,
				include the following:
(a) all of the
				requirements of a reclamation plan set forth in
				82-4-303(13) (a)
				and (d) through (h),
				82-4-336, MCA, and ARM
				17.24.115;
(b) a regarding plan which leaves all
				disturbed areas in a stable configuration and which conforms with the proposed
				subsequent use of the land after reclamation. The department may require the
				use of cross-sections, topographic maps or detailed narrative, or a combination
				of these, to ensure that the application adequately describes the proposed
				topography of the reclaimed land. All reclaimed slopes on materials potentially
				acid or toxic forming shall be graded to assure future erosion of acid and
				toxic forming materials offsite is prevented using prudent slope angle and
				length;
(c) a description of the
				manner in which the soil materials will be redistributed from the stockpiles to
				the area to be reclaimed (e.g., truck/loader, scrapers), to provide for
				adequate revegetation;
(d) a
				description of the methods by which surface and ground water will be restored
				or maintained to meet the criteria of Title 75, chapters 5 and 6, MCA, as
				amended, or rules adopted pursuant to these laws, including methods used to
				monitor for accidental discharge of objectionable (potential toxic or
				acid-producing) materials, plans for detoxification or neutralization of such
				materials, and remedial action plans for control and mitigation of discharges
				to surface or ground water;
(e) a
				plan for the reestablishment of vegetation which conforms with the proposed
				subsequent use of the land after reclamation. Such revegetation plan must
				consider the following:
(i) The first
				objective in revegetation is to stabilize the area as quickly as possible after
				it has been disturbed. Plants that will give a quick, protective cover and
				those that will enrich the soil must be given priority. Plants reestablished
				must be in keeping with the intended reclaimed use of the land.
(ii) Appropriate revegetation must be
				accomplished as soon after necessary grading as possible; however, revegetation
				must be performed in the proper season in accordance with accepted agricultural
				and reforestation practices.
(iii)
				In the event that any of the above revegetation efforts are unsuccessful, the
				permittee shall seek the advice of the department and make additional attempts,
				incorporating such changes and additional procedures as may be expected to
				provide satisfactory revegetation;
(f) a schedule describing the manner and
				deadlines for the removal of facilities including, but not limited to, the
				removal of buildings or related structures, or a plan meeting the requirements
				for alternative land use.