OK SB597

Amends Oklahoma groundwater law to exempt water trapped in producing mines outside sensitive sole source groundwater basins from regulation under the state's groundwater management rules.

Exempts certain mines overlying sensitive sole source groundwater basins if they were permitted by the Oklahoma Department of Mines by August 1, 2011, or had initial permit applications filed by that date, or receive a permit revision after that date.

Requires the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to promulgate rules coordinating with the Oklahoma Department of Mines for mines not exempted, including requirements for water management plans and monitoring of pit water accumulation and use.

Mandates exempt mine operators to submit annual reports and quarterly reports to the Board detailing pit water volumes and disposition by specified deadlines, with exemption revoked for failure to timely report.

Provides that water augmentation under approved management plans shall be considered a beneficial use and not count against permitted water usage, and establishes a ninety-day compliance period if exemption status changes.