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. If you believe you need a permit, applicable forms and instructions can be found by clicking the "Permitting and Operator Assistance" button. Contact us if you have questions or run into problems with any of the information. We're here to help!
Notice of Intent
An operator files a Notice of Intent (NOI) with DEQ for the purpose of gathering environmental baseline data 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
An operator files an application for prospecting permit with DEQ 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 application must include a reclamation plan and bond.
Coal Mine Permitting
An operator files an application for surface or underground mining with DEQ prior to engaging in mining operations. The application must include information regarding climate, geology, hydrology, vegetation, etc as well as a detailed reclamation plan and bond.
Contacts
Coal Mining Office Contacts
Section Supervisor
Robert Smith (406) 444-4967
Program Support Specialist
Sharona Gilbert (406) 444-4966
DEQ ePermitting Public Portal
Pending Applications
East Decker Coal Mine
Bond Release SL7
West Decker Coal Mine
Bond Release SL8
Spring Creek Coal Mine
Amendment AM5 (available on the ePermit Portal: http://svc.mt.gov/deq/myCOALPublic/)
Proposed Haul Road
Prospecting Bond Release XB1
Rosebud Coal Mine Area A
Rosebud Coal Mine Area B
Amendment AM5 (available on the ePermit Portal: http://svc.mt.gov/deq/myCOALPublic/)
- Draft EIS
- Scoping Report
- Coal Mine Amendment Application (February 2017)
- MPDES Application (May 2018)
- Public Meeting
- Final EIS
- Acceptability Determination
- Written Comments
- Record of Decision and Written Findings
- Approval Letter
Bond Release SL19
Rosebud Coal Mine Area C
Bond Release SL20
Rosebud Coal Mine Area D
Bond Release SL15
Bond Release SL16
Prospecting X2014343
Recent Actions & Approvals
Westmoreland Rosebud Mining, LLC
Rosebud Coal Mine Area F
Permit Application
- Record of Decision
- Final EIS
- Draft EIS
Navajo Transitional Energy Company
Spring Creek Mine
Major Revision TR1
- Record of Decision/Written Findings
- Final EIS
- Draft EIS