82-4-234. Commencement of reclamation. The operator shall commence the reclamation of the area of land affected by the operator's operation as soon as possible after the beginning of strip mining or underground mining of that area in accordance with plans previously approved by the department. Those grading, backfilling, subsidence stabilization, topsoiling, and water management practices that are approved in the plans must be kept current with the operation as defined by rules of the department, and a permit or supplement to a permit may not be issued if, in the discretion of the department, these practices are not current.
History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 325, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 441, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 50-1046; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 196, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 204, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 92, Ch. 324, L. 2021.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 82. Minerals, Oil, and Gas
Part 2. Coal and Uranium Mine Reclamation
82-4-202. Intent -- policy -- findings
82-4-205. Administration by department and board
82-4-206. Procedure for contested case hearings
82-4-207. Rulemaking -- in situ coal gasification
82-4-208. through 82-4-220 reserved
82-4-221. Mining permit required
82-4-222. Permit application -- application revisions
82-4-225. Application for increase or reduction in permit area
82-4-227. Refusal of permit -- applicant violator system
82-4-228. Designation of land unsuitable for coal mining
82-4-229. and 82-4-230 reserved
82-4-231. Submission of and action on reclamation plan
82-4-232. Area mining required -- bond -- alternative plan
82-4-233. Planting of vegetation following grading of disturbed area
82-4-234. Commencement of reclamation
82-4-235. Determination of successful revegetation -- final bond release
82-4-236. Vegetation as property of landowner
82-4-237. Operator to file annual reports
82-4-240. Reclamation of lands after bond forfeited
82-4-241. Receipts paid into general fund -- disposition of bond forfeiture money
82-4-242. Funds received by department
82-4-244. Coal and uranium mine permitting and reclamation program account
82-4-245. through 82-4-249 reserved
82-4-250. Operating permit revocation -- permit transfer
82-4-251. Noncompliance -- suspension of permits