AZ SB1417

Amends section 45-514 to allow mineral extraction and metallurgical processing permittees to earn long-term storage credits when they store central Arizona project water, with annual debits equal to groundwater pumped under the permit, applicable only to permits issued after the bill's effective date and to operations engaged in mineral extraction within an initial active management area on or before January 1, 2011.

Modifies section 45-802.01 to exclude from groundwater withdrawal calculations the amount of groundwater withdrawn for mineral extraction or metallurgical processing by operators engaged in such activities within an initial active management area on or before January 1, 2011.

Adds new provision to section 45-852.01 allowing the director to credit 90 percent of recoverable water to long-term storage accounts when central Arizona project water is stored by mining operators who meet specific criteria including engagement in mineral extraction before January 1, 2011 and location of storage facilities more than 20 miles from certain wells.

Grandfathers existing mineral extraction and metallurgical processing permits issued before the effective date, exempting them from the new long-term storage credit requirements.