(1) A closure plan must contain a description of all steps necessary to achieve closure of the compost facility including, but not limited to the removal, abandonment, or restoration of all:

(a) stored material;

(b) other wastes generated by the closure of the composting facility;

(c) work pad or lined areas;

(d) storm water control and leachate collection structures;

(e) ground water monitoring wells, if necessary, pursuant to ARM Title 17, chapter 50, subchapter 13;

(f) other structures and equipment;

(g) vegetation and grade that existed prior to operation; and

(h) any other steps determined by the department to be necessary to protect human health or the environment.

(2) The owner or operator of a compost facility that has not received, processed, or otherwise is not accepting composting materials at a compost facility, for more than 180 days, shall:

(a) notify the department in writing of the intent to close the facility; and

(b) begin implementation of the facility's closure plan.

(3) The owner or operator of a compost facility shall complete closure within 180 days after commencing closure. Extension of the closure period may be granted by the department if the owner or operator demonstrates that closure will take longer than 180 days, and that measures necessary to protect human health and the environment shall be maintained.

(4) Upon completion of all activities in the closure plan, the owner or operator of the composting facility shall provide written notification to the department that the facility has closed. Closure is not complete until the department has completed a final site inspection verifying the provisions of (2).