Opencut Mining | Draft Dryland Programmatic Environmental Assessment | Comment Period Closes March 23, 2026
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has prepared a draft programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for Dryland Opencut Mining Permit Applications and is accepting public comment through March 23, 2026. Opencut operations that qualify for a Dryland permit are those where mining activities do not affect ground water or surface water, including intermittent or perennial streams and water conveyance facilities, and where less than ten occupied dwelling units are located within one-half mile of the operation’s permit boundary. This programmatic EA would provide coverage for proposed sites that have a lifespan of less than 25 years and with permit areas that are 50 acres or smaller.
Associated Materials:
Comment Period Closes: March 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Submit Comments To: DEQOpencut@mt.gov (Please include “Programmatic EA” in the subject of your email)
Opencut Section
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public participation process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than 5:00 P.M. on March 13, 2026, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-2544; or e-mail DEQOpencut@mt.gov.
Tags: MEPA, Public Comment and Opencut