Montana Miners Get Rules for Quick Fixes After Small Storm Overflows
Published Date: 8/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Montana wants to update its mining rules to better handle small storms that cause pond overflows, as long as operators fix the problem quickly. These changes come after a new state law and could affect mining companies working in Montana. The public can comment or ask for a hearing before the updates are finalized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exception for Pond Overflows After Small Storms
Montana proposes a rule change (after Montana Senate Bill 365 in the 2025 legislative session) that would allow an exception for pond capacity exceedance violations when the exceedance is caused by a series of small storms and the mine operator takes active measures to restore pond capacity "as soon as conditions permit." This change would apply to mining operations in Montana and could reduce enforcement actions for operators who quickly fix overflow problems caused by small storms.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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