Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 82. MINERALS, OIL, AND GAS

CHAPTER 4. RECLAMATION

Part 1. Strip and Underground Mine Siting

Violation -- Penalty

82-4-141. Violation -- penalty. (1) A person or operator who violates any of the provisions of this part or rules or orders adopted under this part shall pay a civil penalty of not less than $100 or more than $1,000 for the violation and an additional civil penalty of not less than $100 or more than $1,000 for each day during which a violation continues and may be enjoined from continuing the violations as provided in this section. These penalties are recoverable in an action brought by the department in the district court of the first judicial district, Lewis and Clark County, or in the district court having jurisdiction of the defendant.

(2) The department may bring an action for a restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction against an operator or other person violating or threatening to violate an order adopted under this part.

(3) A person who purposely or knowingly violates any of the provisions of this part or any determination or order adopted under this part that has become final is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $5,000. Each day on which a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense.

(4) Penalties assessed under this section must be determined in accordance with the penalty factors in 82-4-1001.

History: En. 50-1611 by Sec. 11, Ch. 280, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 50-1611; amd. Sec. 366, Ch. 418, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 487, L. 2005.