Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 82. MINERALS, OIL, AND GAS

CHAPTER 4. RECLAMATION

Part 3. Metal Mine Reclamation

Suspension Of Permits -- Hearing

82-4-362. Suspension of permits -- hearing. (1) If any of the requirements of this part, of the rules adopted under this part, or of a license or permit has not been complied with, the department shall serve a notice of violation on the licensee or permittee or, if necessary, the director shall order the suspension of the license or permit. A license or permit may also be suspended for failure to comply with an order to pay a civil penalty if the order is not subject to administrative or judicial review. The director may order immediate suspension of a license or permit whenever the director finds that a violation of this part, of the rules adopted under this part, or of a license or permit is creating an imminent danger to the health or safety of persons outside the permit area. The notice or order must be handed to the licensee or permittee in person or served on the licensee or permittee by certified mail addressed to the permanent address shown on the application for a license or permit. The notice of violation or order of suspension must specify the provision of this part, the rules adopted under this part, or the license or permit violated and the facts alleged to constitute the violation and must, if the violation has not been abated, order abatement within a specified time period.

(2) If the licensee or permittee has not complied with the requirements set forth in the notice of violation or order of suspension within the time limits set in the notice or order, the license or permit may be revoked by order of the department and the performance bond forfeited to the department. The notice of violation or order of suspension must state when those measures may be undertaken and must give notice of the opportunity for a hearing before the board. A hearing may be requested by submitting a written request stating the reason for the request to the board within 30 days after receipt of the notice or order. If a hearing is requested within the 30-day period, the license or permit may not be revoked and the bond may not be forfeited until a final decision is made by the board.

(3) If a permittee fails to pay the fee or file the report required under 82-4-339, the department shall serve notice of this failure, by certified mail or personal delivery, on the permittee. If the permittee does not comply within 30 days of receipt of the notice, the director shall suspend the permit. The director shall reinstate the permit upon compliance.

History: En. 50-1225 by Sec. 12, Ch. 281, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 50-1225; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 284, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 93, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 283, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 598, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 204, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 401, Ch. 418, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 79, L. 2001.