Coal Mining| Second Draft Coal Bond Calculation Guidelines| Comment Period Closes April 24, 2026
DEQ is seeking additional public comment on a draft guidance document for determining performance reclamation bonds at coal mines. The guidance document will be used by DEQ to determine the appropriate level of performance reclamation bond to be held by DEQ, to ensure complete reclamation in the event a permittee is unable or unavailable to complete reclamation.
The Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act (MSUMRA) requires DEQ to determine and adjust the amount of bond based on the estimated cost to the State to complete reclamation in accordance with a permittee’s reclamation plan. The draft bond guidance document reflects bonding best practices and ensures consistent and adequate bonds are held by DEQ. When completed, the bonding guidance document will be used, in part, for calculating the appropriate performance reclamation bond for each coal company doing business in Montana.
DEQ reviews coal mine permit and amendment applications, operations and reclamation as they relate to state law. DEQ’s role in mining regulation is to provide mine oversight, oversee compliance, establish adequate bond amounts and ensure the permittee appropriately reclaims the land after mine completion.
Associated Materials
Second Draft Bond Calculation Guidelines
Comment Period Closes: April 24, 2026
Submit Comments To: DEQCoal@mt.gov
or
Eric Dahlgren
Mining Bureau Chief
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
The Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act (MSUMRA) requires DEQ to determine and adjust the amount of bond based on the estimated cost to the State to complete reclamation in accordance with a permittee’s reclamation plan. The draft bond guidance document reflects bonding best practices and ensures consistent and adequate bonds are held by DEQ. When completed, the bonding guidance document will be used, in part, for calculating the appropriate performance reclamation bond for each coal company doing business in Montana.
DEQ reviews coal mine permit and amendment applications, operations and reclamation as they relate to state law. DEQ’s role in mining regulation is to provide mine oversight, oversee compliance, establish adequate bond amounts and ensure the permittee appropriately reclaims the land after mine completion.
Associated Materials
Second Draft Bond Calculation Guidelines
Comment Period Closes: April 24, 2026
Submit Comments To: DEQCoal@mt.gov
or
Eric Dahlgren
Mining Bureau Chief
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Tags: Public Comment and Coal