The bill amends Section 82-4-231 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the capacity requirements for siltation structures at strip and underground mines. It mandates that these structures must be constructed with a design capacity that can detain water inflow or runoff from anticipated precipitation events, as well as average inflow from underground mines, if applicable. The bill specifies that compliance with this design capacity is maintained even if the pond capacity is exceeded due to a series of small, consecutive storm events, provided that the operator takes measures to restore the pond capacity as soon as conditions allow.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for rulemaking authority, contingent voidness if any part is disapproved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval. The legislation aims to enhance environmental protections related to mining operations while ensuring that operators adhere to updated standards for managing water runoff and siltation.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-231
SB0365_1(1): 82-4-231
SB0365_1(2): 82-4-231
SB0365_1(3): 82-4-231
SB0365_1(4): 82-4-231
SB0365_1: 82-4-231
SB0365_2(1): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(2): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(3): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(4): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(5): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(6): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(7): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(8): 82-4-231
SB0365_2(9): 82-4-231
SB0365_2: 82-4-231
SB0365_X(1): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(2): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(3): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(4): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(5): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(6): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(7): 82-4-231
SB0365_X(8): 82-4-231
SB0365_X: 82-4-231