MT SB391

Expands the notification radius for opencut mining permit applications from one-half mile to 1 mile for notifying surface owners and residents

Lowers the threshold for requesting a public meeting from 51% of property owners (or 10 owners) with occupied dwelling units to 30% of residents within 1 mile of the proposed operation

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to accept public comments for 30 days after notification and respond in writing to all public comments

Eliminates the definition of "occupied dwelling unit" and removes the previous trigger based on 10 or more occupied dwelling units within one-half mile

Requires permit amendment applications to follow public notice and participation provisions (except for ministerial amendments), removing the previous exemption for amendments under 50% acreage increase