AZ SB1165

Creates exemptions from aquifer protection permit requirements for small mining operations with a total surface area of 10 acres or less and tailings ponds of 5 acres or less, provided they comply with specified conditions including fee payment after two years of operation, reclamation planning, approved tailings pond design, well water testing, and stormwater diversion systems.

Allows small mining operations (10 acres or less) a 60-day deemed approval period for plan of operation submissions to the department, and permits them to use an adjacent mine's discharge report for up to three years if applicable.

Exempts small mining operations from requiring best available demonstrated control technology if they meet the conditions outlined and allows bond or surety paid to other state or federal agencies to satisfy financial responsibility requirements.

Provides an initial one-year exemption from aquifer protection permit requirements for small mining operations (10 acres or less) during their first year of operation for purposes of gathering information needed for permit applications.

Makes technical corrections to existing statutes by changing archaic language ("in lieu of" to "instead of," "such" to "the," and "which" to "that") without substantive changes to regulatory requirements.