Summary of HB08-1161
Short Title: Strengthen Mining Reclamation Standards

Sponsors: Kefalas & .../Johnson

Defines "in situ mining" and "in situ leach mining". Requires the reclamation of lands affected by in situ leach mining. Specifies that uranium mining is a type of designated mining operation. Requires all in situ leach mining of uranium to restore all affected ground water to its premining quality for all constituents. In the case of in situ leach mining, requires restoration of ground water to begin immediately upon any cessation of extraction or production. Requires all operators to reclaim all affected surface and ground water. Requires applicants for in situ leach mining permits to notify the owners of record of lands within 3 miles of the affected land. Requires the mined land reclamation board (board) to:
* Require, as a condition of permit issuance, that the applicant for an in situ leach mining operation pay for an initial site characterization and ongoing monitoring of the affected land and affected surface and ground water;
* Deny a permit if the applicant fails to demonstrate that reclamation can and will be accomplished; and
* Deny a permit for in situ leach mining unless the applicant submits competent evidence of at least 5 similar mining operations that did not result in ground water contamination. Authorizes the board to deny a permit:
* Based on uncertainty about the feasibility of reclamation;
* If the existing or reasonably foreseeable potential future uses of the affected ground water include domestic or agricultural uses;
* If the applicant has previously violated the reclamation laws and any violation remains unabated; or
* If the applicant has demonstrated a pattern of willful violations of environmental protection requirements. Requires notification to the office of mined land reclamation of any failure or imminent failure of certain listed mining structures within 24 hours after such failure or the discovery of an imminent failure. Expands the list of such mining structures.

Status
01/16/2008 Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources
01/30/2008 House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only
02/06/2008 House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only
02/20/2008 House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Refer Amended to Appropriations
03/14/2008 House Committee on Appropriations Pass Amended to House Committee of the Whole
03/18/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/19/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/20/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over to 03/24/2008
03/24/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/25/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/26/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/27/2008 House Second Reading Laid Over
03/28/2008 House Second Reading Passed with Amendments
03/31/2008 House Third Reading Passed
04/07/2008 Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Local Government
04/17/2008 Senate Committee on Local Government Refer Amended to Appropriations
04/25/2008 Senate Committee on Appropriations Pass Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
04/29/2008 Senate Second Reading Laid Over
04/30/2008 Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments
05/01/2008 Senate Third Reading Laid Over
05/02/2008 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/05/2008 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

Amendments

Fiscal Notes Status

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