This bill amends existing regulations concerning noncoal mining operations in Iowa, specifically addressing the reclamation of land affected by sinkholes above active underground mine sites. Key provisions include the requirement for operators to immediately notify the division of any sinkhole formation and the establishment of rules for the reclamation of disturbed lands. The bill also introduces a new section that allows the division to issue emergency remediation orders to operators, mandating immediate restoration efforts. Additionally, it specifies that operators must submit a remediation plan for approval or confirm that remediation has been completed according to the division's standards.

The bill also revises licensing fees, increasing the initial application fee from $50 to $75, and outlines penalties for violations of mining regulations. It clarifies that the total amount of bonds posted by an operator can be used to cover reclamation costs at any single mine site. Other amendments include the requirement for the state geologist to provide current maps of active mine sites and the removal of outdated language regarding abandoned mines. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 208.7, 208.8, 208.9, 208.10A, 208.10, 208.20, 456.11