The bill amends existing regulations concerning noncoal mining operations in Iowa, specifically addressing the reclamation of land affected by sinkholes above active underground mine sites. It introduces a new section requiring the state geologist to provide the latest maps of active mine sites upon request and mandates that operators of active underground mines immediately notify the division of any sinkhole formation. Additionally, the bill allows the division to adopt rules for the reclamation of lands disturbed by sinkholes and grants the authority to issue emergency remediation orders to mine operators.

Key amendments include the removal of language that limited penalties to "repeated or willful" violations, thereby allowing for broader enforcement of compliance with mining regulations. The bill also clarifies that the total amount of bonds posted by an operator can be used to cover reclamation costs at any one mine site, and it establishes that the time for completing reclamation work can be extended if the operator provides satisfactory evidence that the work cannot be completed within the specified timeframe. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 208.8, 208.9, 208.10A, 208.10, 208.20, 456.11