Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 82. MINERALS, OIL, AND GAS

CHAPTER 4. RECLAMATION

Part 3. Metal Mine Reclamation

Engineer Of Record -- Duties

82-4-375. Engineer of record -- duties. (1) An operator with an existing tailings storage facility shall provide the department with written designation of an engineer of record, including contact information, within 180 days after October 1, 2015.

(2) An application for a permit pursuant to 82-4-335 or an amendment that will include a tailings storage facility must include the designation of an engineer of record and contact information.

(3) The engineer of record may not be an employee of an operator or permit applicant. The engineer of record shall:

(a) review designs and other documents pertaining to tailings storage facilities required by this part;

(b) certify and seal designs or other documents pertaining to tailings storage facilities submitted to the department;

(c) complete an annual inspection of the tailings storage facility as required in 82-4-381;

(d) notify the operator when credible evidence indicates the tailings storage facility is not performing as intended; and

(e) immediately notify the operator and the department when credible evidence indicates that a tailings storage facility presents an imminent threat or a high potential for imminent threat to human health or the environment.

(4) The engineer of record, operator, or permit applicant shall notify the department in writing if there is a change in the engineer of record.

(5) If the operator or permit applicant does not designate an engineer of record or replace an engineer of record within 90 days of receipt of notification that the engineer is no longer the engineer of record, the department shall order suspension of the deposition of tailings until an engineer of record is established pursuant to this section.

History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 399, L. 2015.