17.24.188    SMALL MINER METAL LEACHING SOLVENT OR REAGENT RECLAMATION PLANS

(1) An application for a small miner cyanide or other metal leaching solvent or reagent ore processing permit must contain a reclamation plan that includes the following:

(a) the postmine land use;

(b) a reclamation timetable;

(c) the proposed method for handling spent ore and disposal of any heavy metal sludge remaining in ponds;

(d) a plan for monitoring water balance for the ore processing facility;

(e) a neutralization plan for tailing and solutions;

(f) a map showing regrading plans for all cyanide or other metal leaching solvent or reagent-processing and related facilities to a stable, minimally erosive slope configuration by backfilling excavated material, consistent with the postmining land use;

(g) a narrative providing for reclamation of all buildings and structures;

(h) a plan for reclaiming all associated roads, or an appropriate waiver from the surface owner;

(i) a revegetation plan including seed mixes, method of seeding and rate of seed application (lbs/ac) ;

(j) a description of any permanent diversion or stream channel reconstruction process, including use of coarse noncyanidated, nonmineralized tails or borrow material to dissipate energy or riprap streams, or use of synthetic erosion control and revegetation fabrics. Streams must be reconstructed with comparable grades, pools, and meanders to premine drainage;

(k) a plan for stream channel reconstruction providing that the channel may not be reconstructed through reclaimed tails; and addressing control of drainage from the tails and the adjacent areas to maximize the long-term stability of the tails; and

(l) monitoring plans for reclaimed sites.

(2) In addition, a processing facility which would constitute a "project", as that term is defined in 75-7-103 , MCA, on a perennial stream, must comply with the requirements of the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, as amended, by obtaining permits required by the appropriate conservation district.

History: 82-4-321, MCA; IMP, 82-4-305(7), 82-4-335, MCA; NEW, 1991 MAR p. 445, Eff. 4/12/91; TRANS, from DSL, 1996 MAR p. 2852; AMD, 2000 MAR p. 473, Eff. 2/11/00.