Montana SB460 revises gravel pit laws to ensure water protection in opencut mining operations.

Montana SB460 amends gravel pit laws to mandate the Department of Environmental Quality to protect surface and groundwater from deterioration due to opencut mining operations. The bill requires the department to issue permits based on application evaluations and ensure compliance with state laws. It also empowers the department to adopt rules for uniform procedures, permit issuance, and annual report filing. The board is tasked with conducting hearings and enforcing compliance with the new regulations.

Montana SB460 revises gravel pit laws to ensure water protection in opencut mining operations.

Montana SB460 amends gravel pit laws to mandate the Department of Environmental Quality to protect surface and groundwater from deterioration due to opencut mining operations. The bill requires the department to issue permits based on application evaluations and ensure compliance with state laws. It also empowers the department to adopt rules for uniform procedures, permit issuance, and annual report filing. The board is tasked with conducting hearings and enforcing compliance with the new regulations.