Federal Register #2026-14245

Final Rule: Amendments to Montana's Surface Mining Regulatory Program

This final rule from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) addresses amendments to Montana's surface mining regulatory program: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are named; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement or award - No products or services are being requested, purchased, or awarded - Key regulatory changes: - Permittees in Montana may now use predictive modeling and monitoring data in bond release applications to demonstrate compliance with reclamation plans - Montana is authorized to retain a portion of a bond for areas contributing suspended solids - The amendment includes provisions for severability, contingent voidness, and an effective date - Unique requirements: - Emphasis on predictive modeling for environmental compliance - Specific bond retention measures for environmental protection - No contract value, period of performance, or line items are associated with this rule

Description

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is approving an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The amendment, initiated by Montana in response to House Bill 616, allows the use of predictive modeling along with monitoring data in bond release applications to demonstrate compliance with approved reclamation plans. Additionally, Montana may retain a portion of a bond for areas contributing suspended solids. The amendment includes contingencies such as severability, contingent voidness, and an effective date clause.

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