The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is requesting public input on a draft guidance document that would establish how the agency determines performance reclamation bonds for coal mines.
The bonds are intended to ensure funds are available to complete mine reclamation if a company is unable or unwilling to carry out its reclamation plan. DEQ said the draft guidance incorporates bonding best practices and is designed to promote consistency and adequacy in the bonding process.
Public comments will be accepted until Oct. 20, 2025. A public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane, from 5 to 8 p.m. The draft document is available on DEQ’s website.
“DEQ is excited to get stakeholder input for the coal mining bonding guidance. It’s an opportune time for stakeholders to weigh in on the bonding process, which has significant implications for communities throughout Montana,” said Eric Dahlgren, DEQ’s Mining Bureau Chief.
Under the Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act, DEQ must set and periodically adjust bond amounts based on the estimated cost to the state of completing reclamation. Once finalized, the guidance will help calculate the appropriate bond amount for each coal mine operating in the state.
DEQ oversees coal mine permits, amendments, and reclamation plans to ensure compliance with state law, set adequate bonds, and verify that permit holders reclaim mined land once operations are complete.