The bill amends existing laws regarding limited mining operations in Wyoming, specifically focusing on water quality testing and notification requirements. It specifies that operators must notify both the land quality division and the water quality division of the Department of Environmental Quality, as well as the inspector of mines, at least thirty days before commencing operations. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that the Department may mandate water quality testing prior to the start of limited mining operations if there is reason to believe that domestic or drinking water sources could be affected.

Furthermore, the bill allows the administrator to require operators to delay the commencement of mining operations for a reasonable period to complete any necessary water quality testing. The Environmental Quality Council is tasked with creating rules to implement these changes, and the act is set to take effect immediately upon the completion of the legislative process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-401