MT SB460

Adds a new mandatory duty for the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure surface water and ground water are protected from deteriorating quality and quantity caused by opencut mining operations

Protection requirements must be consistent with existing state water quality laws under Title 75, chapter 5, and Title 85 of Montana Code

Amends Section 82-4-422, MCA, which governs the powers, duties, and functions of the department regarding opencut mining permits and operations

Opencut mining (gravel pits) operations must now meet water protection standards as a condition of department oversight, beyond existing permitting and reclamation requirements