17.24.1016    BOND REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILLING OPERATIONS

(1) The department shall require bond in an amount equal to the estimated cost to the department for reclamation, restoration, and abatement work as committed to in the approved permit. Minimum bond on all active permits must not be less than $200 per acre, with a minimum total of $10,000. Bond must be submitted as described in ARM 17.24.1101 through 17.24.1110, unless otherwise noted below.

(2) Separate bonds are required for each permit. Permits are issued on a county basis.

(3) Each drill site is considered to be 1.0 acre unless otherwise approved by the department.

(4) Bond must be retained for a minimum period of five years after initial reclamation of areas disturbed by prospecting activities.

History: 82-4-205, MCA; IMP, 82-4-223, 82-4-226, MCA; NEW, 1989 MAR p. 30, Eff. 1/13/89; TRANS, from DSL, 1996 MAR p. 3042; AMD, 2012 MAR p. 737, Eff. 4/13/12; AMD, 2024 MAR p. 258, Eff. 2/10/24.