🌊Proposed Amendments to Montana Surface Mining Regulations Announced
Montana Regulatory Program
Summary
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana Senate Bill 365 (SB 365) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to siltation structures and a proposed exception in the Montana regulation for exceedance of capacity violations if the exceedance is the result of a series of small storms and the operator takes active measures to restore pond capacity as soon as conditions permit. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office
Business Impact
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The proposed amendments to the Montana regulatory program introduce compliance requirements related to siltation structures, which could affect operational costs and regulatory adherence for mining companies. The public comment period allows businesses to engage in shaping the regulations, directly impacting their operational framework.