House Bill 699 revises the laws governing the Metal Mine Tailings Impoundment Panel by updating the membership, qualifications, and responsibilities of the independent review panel that evaluates tailings impoundment plans. The bill introduces a new definition for "independent review panel member," allowing both licensed engineers and recognized subject matter experts to serve on the panel. It requires the panel to provide a written report on their findings, enhancing accountability and transparency. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "tailings storage facility" to clarify which facilities are exempt from regulation, particularly those storing 50 acre-feet or less of tailings, water, or process solutions.

The bill also establishes a requirement for the operator or permit applicant to identify at least three independent panel members who will review design documents and provide a written report summarizing their findings. It outlines conditions for permit suspension if the permittee fails to comply with commitments made in the approved impact plan and mandates periodic reviews of tailings storage facilities. The operator must develop a corrective action plan based on the panel's recommendations and submit it for review within 60 days of receiving the panel's report. The act is designed to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with engineering standards throughout the lifecycle of mining operations, taking 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