Program Overview
The Coal Section is responsible for ensuring the reclamation of land affected by surface and underground mining activity and regulation of development of coal mines in order to maintain the integrity of Montana's natural resources.
Types of Permits
The Coal Section reviews applications for several different types of activities related to coal mining using the best available data and scientific information within the time allotted. If you believe you need a permit, applicable forms and instructions can be found by clicking the "Permitting and Operator Assistance" button.
Notice of Intent
A Notice of Intent (NOI) is used for the purpose of gathering environmental baseline data (such as wildlife, vegetation and hydrology) to establish the conditions of an area before beginning strip or underground mining, or to determine location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve prior to submitting an application for prospecting.
Prospecting
A Prospecting Permit is used for the purpose of determining location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve for land not already included in a current mine operating permit and if the prospecting is conducted for the purpose of determining location, quality, and quantity of a mineral reserve. This permit application must include a reclamation plan and bond.
Coal Mine Permitting
A Surface or Underground Mining Permit is used when engaging in mining operations in order to ensure the reclamation of land affected and maintain the integrity of Montana's natural resources. The permit application must include information regarding climate, geology, hydrology, vegetation, etc as well as a detailed reclamation plan and bond.
Coal Mining Contacts
Section Supervisor
Vacant (406) 444-4967
Program Support Specialist
Sharona Gilbert (406) 444-4966
DEQ ePermitting Public Portal
The Coal Section utilizes an electronic permitting system called the ePermit. The following revision types have public comment periods for completeness and/or acceptability that can be viewed under this system:
- Amendments
- Major Revisions
- Transfers
- Renewals
Bond release applications are still submitted outside of the system. Once approved, the revision remains available on the system until superseded by a new revision. To view both pending and approved applications that are available on the public portal click below:
myCOALPublic
Pending Applications
East Decker Coal Mine
Bond Release SL7
West Decker Coal Mine
Bond Release SL8
Rosebud Coal Mine Area A
Bond Release SL17
Rosebud Coal Mine Area B
Bond Release SL19
Bond Release SL20
Bond Release SL21
Rosebud Coal Mine Area C
Bond Release SL20
Bond Release SL21
Bond Release SL22
Rosebud Coal Mine Area D
Bond Release SL15
Bond Release SL16
Prospecting X2004322
Bond Release SL20
Pending MEPA Projects
Spring Creek Coal Mine
Amendment AM5 (available on the ePermit Portal: http://svc.mt.gov/deq/myCOALPublic/)
Draft EIS