House Bill No. [insert bill number] introduces amendments to Section 82-4-232 of the Montana Code Annotated, focusing on the release of performance bonds for strip or underground mining operations. The bill mandates that when a permittee applies for bond release, they must include a description of the reclamation results, which can now incorporate predictive modeling alongside monitoring data to demonstrate compliance with the approved reclamation plan. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Department of Environmental Quality may use predictive modeling in conjunction with monitoring data to evaluate reclamation work and determine the acceptability of bond release applications.

The bill also establishes a framework for the timely reclamation of disturbed areas and allows operators to propose alternative postmining land uses, provided they meet certain criteria. Furthermore, it includes provisions for severability and contingent voidness, stating that if the act is disapproved by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, it will become void. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-232
HB0616_1(1): 82-4-232
HB0616_1(2): 82-4-232
HB0616_1(3): 82-4-232
HB0616_1(4): 82-4-232
HB0616_1(5): 82-4-232
HB0616_1: 82-4-232