Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify how reactive mine waste is managed in Minnesota, ensuring that it is mined, disposed of, and reclaimed in a manner that prevents adverse impacts on natural resources. It introduces new legal requirements focusing on compliance with water quality standards.

Main Provisions

• Definitions: The bill defines "reactive mine waste" as waste causing a sustained net decrease in pH due to chemical interaction between sulfur-bearing minerals and oxygen. It also defines "applicable water quality standards" as the standards set by federal, state, local, or Tribal authorities.

• Requirements for Mining Operations: Nonferrous metallic minerals mining operations must undertake chemical and physical characterization of mine waste before and during mining. This ensures that water quality standards are met both during construction and at closure.

• Design and Construction: Storage facilities for reactive mine waste must be designed by professional engineers registered in Minnesota. They should have proficiency in creating, operating, and reclaiming these facilities. The design must ensure compliance with water quality standards, potentially by modifying waste characteristics or managing drainage effectively.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill proposes the repeal of Minnesota Rules part 6132.2200, which previously set goals and requirements for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. This repeal eliminates previous requirements for mining operations, replacing them with the updated standards and procedures outlined in the bill.

• It ensures continuous characterization of mine waste during mining operations and specifies new design standards for storage facilities.

Relevant Terms

• Reactive mine waste
• Water quality standards
• Nonferrous metallic minerals
• Chemical and physical characterization
• Mining operations
• Professional engineers
• Environmental compliance
• Repeal of Minnesota Rules part 6132.2200