House Bill 699 revises the laws governing the Metal Mine Tailings Impoundment Panel, focusing on the composition, qualifications, and responsibilities of an independent review panel that evaluates tailings impoundment plans. The bill introduces a new definition for "independent review panel member," allowing for inclusion of either a licensed engineer with expertise in tailings storage facility design or an individual with relevant education and experience who is not a licensed engineer. It mandates that the review panel provide a written report prior to the issuance of a draft permit, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability in the management of tailings storage facilities.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the requirements for operating permits, including the necessity of a detailed reclamation plan and various technical documents. It establishes that the operator or permit applicant must identify at least three independent panel members to review design documents and prepare a report summarizing their findings. The bill also outlines conditions for permit suspension due to non-compliance with the approved impact plan and mandates periodic reviews of tailings storage facilities, ensuring that they are constructed and maintained according to acceptable engineering standards. The operator is required to develop a corrective action plan based on the panel's recommendations, with specific timelines for submission and approval, and penalties for failure to comply. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(1): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(2): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(3): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(4): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(5): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(6): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(7): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1(8): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_1: 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(1): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(2): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(3): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(4): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(5): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2(6): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_2: 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(1): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(10): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(11): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(2): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(3): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(4): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(5): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(6): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(7): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(8): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X(9): 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380
HB0699_X: 82-4-303, 82-4-335, 82-4-337, 82-4-377, 82-4-380