This bill amends existing laws related to limited mining operations in Wyoming, specifically focusing on water quality 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. The operator may also be required to delay the commencement of operations to allow for this testing.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Environmental Quality Council to create necessary rules to implement these changes, ensuring that the new provisions are effectively integrated into the existing regulatory framework. The act is set to take effect immediately upon the completion of all legislative processes required for a bill to become law in Wyoming.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-401