HB-1161 Stengthening Mining Reclamation Standards (Fischer-Kefalas/Johnson)
Posted on January 28, 2008 in Colorado Legislation
- Background: 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.
- Most Recent Action: 5/2 passed Senate 3rd reading
- Position: Support