[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27730-27743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-10743]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 926

[SATS No.: MT-026/027-FOR; Docket ID: OSM-2008-0006]


Montana Regulatory Program

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.

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SUMMARY: We are approving amendments to the Montana regulatory program 
(the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation 
Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana proposed revisions to, 
additions to, and deletions from its program statutes and corresponding 
regulations about: procedures for contested case hearings; permit fees 
and surety bonds; applications for increase or reduction in permit 
area; prospecting permits; refusal of permits; submission of actions on 
reclamation plans; required area mining bonds and alternative plans; 
planting of vegetation following grading of disturbed areas; 
determination of successful reclamation and final bond release; 
noncompliance, and suspension of permits; violations, penalties, and 
waivers; penalty factors; and collection of penalties, fees, late fees, 
and interest. Montana intends to revise its program to be consistent 
with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA, clarify 
ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

DATES: Effective Date: May 14, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey W. Fleischman, Telephone: 
307.261.6550, E-mail address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Montana Program
II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment
III. OSM's Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations

I. Background on the Montana Program

    Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that 
its State program includes, among other things, ``a State law which 
provides for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations in accordance with the requirements of this Act * * *; and 
rules and regulations consistent with regulations issued by the 
Secretary pursuant to this Act.'' 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On the 
basis of these criteria, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally 
approved the Montana program on April 1, 1980. You can find background 
information on the Montana program, including the Secretary's findings, 
the disposition of comments, and conditions of approval of the Montana 
program in the April 1, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 21560). You can 
also find later actions concerning Montana's program and program 
amendments at 30 CFR 926.15, 926.16, and 926.30.
    Rules for the Montana program are contained in the Administrative 
Rules of Montana (ARM), Title 17 Chapter 24 (ARM 17.24.101 through 
17.24.1820) entitled ``Reclamation.'' The enabling statutes for the 
Montana program are contained generally under Montana Code Annotated 
(MCA) Title 82 (MCA 82-1-101 through 82-15-207) entitled ``Minerals, 
Oil, and Gas,'' and more specifically, under Chapter 4 (MCA 82-4-101 
through 82-4-1002) entitled ``Reclamation'' and Chapter 4, Part 2 (MCA 
82-4-201 through 82-4-254) entitled ``Coal and Uranium Mine 
Reclamation.'' Provisions for penalties, fees, and interest are found 
in Chapter 4, Part 10 (MCA 82-4-1001 through 82-4-1002) and procedures 
for initiating and holding contested case administrative hearings are 
found in Chapter 4, Part 2 (MCA 82-4-206) and under Title 2, Chapter 4, 
Part 6 (MCA 2-4-601 through 2-4-631). Provisions providing for judicial 
review of contested case decisions are found under Title 2, Chapter 4, 
Part 7 (MCA 2-4-701 through 2-4-711).

II. Submission of the Proposed Amendments

    By letter dated January 18, 2006, Montana sent us a proposed 
amendment to its program (MT-026-FOR, Administrative Record No. MT-23-
1) under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.). Montana sent the amendment in 
response to an April 2, 2001, letter that we sent in accordance with 30 
CFR 732.17(c) (pertaining to valid existing rights). The proposed 
amendment also includes revisions in response to changes in Montana's 
statutes enacted in 2005. The provisions of the MCA that Montana 
proposes to revise or add are:
    MCA 82-4-206, Procedure for contested case hearings; MCA 82-4-223, 
Permit fee and surety bond; MCA 82-4-225, Application for increase or 
reduction in permit area; MCA 82-4-226, Prospecting permit; MCA 82-4-
227, Refusal of permit; MCA 82-4-231, Submission of and action on 
reclamation plan; MCA 82-4-232, Area mining required--bond--alternative 
plan; MCA 82-4-233, Planting of vegetation following grading of 
disturbed area; MCA 82-4-235, Determination of successful reclamation--
final bond release; MCA 82-4-251, Noncompliance--suspension of permits; 
MCA 82-4-254, Violation--penalty--waiver; MCA 82-4-1001, Penalty 
factors; and MCA 82-4-1002, Collection of penalties, fees, late fees, 
and interest.
    We announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the March 27, 
2006, Federal Register (71 FR 15090). In the same document, we provided 
opportunity for public comment and a public hearing or meeting on the 
amendment's adequacy (Administrative Record No. MT-23-5). The public 
comment period ended on April 26, 2006.
    In addition to the proposed changes to its statute, by letter dated 
November 6, 2006, Montana sent us proposed changes to its program rules 
(MT-027-FOR, Administrative Record No. MT-24-1). These changes reflect 
the revisions to the statute submitted on January 18, 2006. In its 
November 6, 2006 letter, Montana suggested that the

[[Page 27731]]

regulatory changes be combined with the January 18, 2006 submittal for 
purposes of conducting a more efficient review. We announced receipt of 
the proposed rule changes in the February 6, 2007, Federal Register (FR 
5377). In the same document, we provided opportunity for public comment 
and a public hearing or meeting on the amendment's adequacy 
(Administrative Record No. MT-24-6). The public comment period ended on 
March 8, 2007.
    We did not hold a public hearing or meeting for either proposal 
because no one requested one. We received one public comment which is 
discussed under section IV below. This document contains our decision 
and findings for both submissions.

III. OSM's Findings

    Following are the findings we made concerning the amendments under 
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17.
    1. Montana proposed revisions to 82-4-206, MCA, to provide that an 
applicant, permittee, or person with an interest that is or may be 
adversely affected may request a hearing before the Board of 
Environmental Review (Board) on decisions of the Department of 
Environmental Quality (Department) pertaining to (a) approval or denial 
of an application for a permit pursuant to 82-4-231; (b) approval or 
denial of an application for a prospecting permit pursuant to 82-4-226; 
(c) approval or denial of an application to increase or reduce a permit 
area pursuant to 82-4-225; (d) approval or denial of an application to 
renew or revise a permit pursuant to 82-4-221; or (e) approval or 
denial of an application to transfer a permit pursuant to 82-4-238 or 
82-4-250.
    In its proposed revision to 82-4-206, MCA, Montana changes the 
phrase from ``persons aggrieved by a final decision of the Department'' 
to ``applicants, permittees or persons with an interest that is or may 
be adversely affected.'' This defines who can request a hearing before 
the Board. In subparagraph (1)(a) through (e), Montana also specifies 
the types of permitting decisions that can be contested. The revised 
wording and types of decisions are in accordance with SMCRA Section 
514(c) which states that any person with an interest which is or may be 
adversely affected may request a hearing on the reasons for the final 
determination. The proposed State statute provides more detail as to 
who may request a contested case hearing and for what reasons without 
altering the provision's consistency with Federal law. We are approving 
the revisions to 82-4-206, MCA.
    2. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-223, MCA, to: (1) Delete 
``permit fee'' from the title; and (2) delete the provision for a 
permit application fee; and (3) make editorial changes. Under Section 
507(a) of the Act and 30 CFR 777.17, the amount of a permit fee is to 
be determined by the regulatory authority. Montana proposes to delete 
its existing requirement for a $100 application fee because the 
administrative burden to collect it exceeds the value of the fee. We 
accept Montana's reason for deleting the fee and approve it.
    The proposal to modify 82-4-223, MCA also includes minor 
substitutions and editorial changes which do not change the meaning of 
the existing statute. We approve these minor changes.
    3. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-225, MCA, to delete the 
requirement for a $50 application fee when revising a permit to 
increase or decrease the permitted area. Montana claims that the 
administrative burden to collect this fee exceeds the fee's value. 
Section 507(a) of SMCRA states that applications ``* * * shall be 
accompanied by a fee as determined by the regulatory authority. Such 
fee may be less than but shall not exceed the actual or anticipated 
cost of reviewing, administering, and enforcing such permit issued 
pursuant to a State or Federal program.'' It is evident that Congress 
enacted this provision to enable the regulatory authority to (among 
other things) recoup administrative costs associated with processing 
permit applications. However, Montana has stated that, under its 
current program, the administrative burden to collect the $50 
application fee exceeds the fee's value. Given this explanation, and 
given the fact that Section 507(a) of the Act vests complete discretion 
in the regulatory authority to determine the amount of the fee (even in 
this case where the amount of the fee will be zero), we find that 
Montana's proposed revision is in accordance with the Act, and we 
approve it.
    A minor editorial revision replaces ``in no case shall'' with ``may 
not.'' This minor revision is for clarification and does not alter the 
meaning of the provision. We approve it.
    4. Montana proposed to delete 82-4-226 (3), deleting the 
requirement for a $100 fee accompanying an application for a 
prospecting permit. Montana claims that the administrative burden to 
collect the fee exceeds the fee's value. Section 507(a) of SMCRA states 
that applications ``* * * shall be accompanied by a fee as determined 
by the regulatory authority. Such fee may be less than but shall not 
exceed the actual or anticipated cost of reviewing, administering, and 
enforcing such permit issued pursuant to a State or Federal program.'' 
It is evident that Congress enacted this provision to enable the 
regulatory authority to (among other things) recoup administrative 
costs associated with processing permit applications. However, Montana 
has stated that, under its current program, the administrative burden 
to collect the $100 application fee exceeds the fee's value. Given this 
explanation, and given the fact that Section 507(a) of the Act vests 
complete discretion in the regulatory authority to determine the amount 
of the fee (even in this case where the amount of the fee will be 
zero), we find that Montana's proposed revision is in accordance with 
the Act, and we approve it.
    Other changes recodify previous subsections (4) through (8) as 
subsections (3) through (7) as a result of deleting the prospecting 
permit fee provision at original subsection (3). This recodification 
does not alter the content of the existing provisions. We approve these 
changes.
    5. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-227(13)(a), MCA, to add the 
national system of trails, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act study rivers and 
study river corridors, and Federal lands within National Forests, to 
areas where mining is prohibited (subject to valid existing rights).
    Montana submitted this proposal in response to an OSM letter dated 
April 2, 2001, notifying Montana that revisions to the Federal rules on 
valid existing rights required the State to revise equivalent 
provisions in the State program. There are no additions to 82-4-
227(13)(a), MCA that are not fully expressed in the corresponding 
Federal counterpart, Section 522(e) of SMCRA, which states:

    (e) After the enactment of this Act and subject to valid 
existing rights no surface coal mining operations except those which 
exist on the date of enactment of this Act shall be permitted--
    (1) on any lands within the boundaries of units of the National 
Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge Systems, the National 
System of Trails, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the 
Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including study rivers designated 
under section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and National 
Recreation Areas designated by Act of Congress;
    (2) on any Federal lands within the boundaries of any national 
forest: Provided, however, That surface coal mining operations

[[Page 27732]]

may be permitted on such lands if the Secretary finds that there are 
no significant recreational, timber, economic, or other values which 
may be incompatible with such surface mining operations and--(A) 
surface operations and impacts are incident to an underground coal 
mine; or
    (B) where the Secretary of Agriculture determines, with respect 
to lands which do not have significant forest cover within those 
national forests west of the 100th meridian, that surface mining is 
in compliance with the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, the 
Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1975, the National Forest 
Management Act of 1976, and the provisions of this Act: And provided 
further, That no surface coal mining operations may be permitted 
within the boundaries of the Custer National Forest;

    In 82-4-227(13)(b), MCA Montana adds ``* * * subject to the 
exceptions and limitations of 30 CFR 761.11(b) and the procedures of 30 
CFR 761.13.'' 30 CFR 761.11(b) is substantively identical to Section 
522(e)(1) and (2) of the Act. 30 CFR 761.13 provides that, if 
applicants intend to rely on the provisions in 30 CFR 761.11(b) they 
must request that OSM first obtain the Secretarial findings required by 
Section 761.11(b). Thus, by making 82-4-227(13)(b), MCA subject to the 
exceptions and limitations in these two Federal regulations, Montana's 
proposal is consistent with the Federal regulations and in accordance 
with Section 522(e)(1) and (2) of the Act. Also, Montana proposed 
changing ``systems'' to ``system'' for grammatical correctness. For the 
above reasons, we approve Montana's proposed changes.
    6. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-231(9), MCA, to specify the 
Environmental Quality Board, or its hearing officer, as the authority 
to hold hearings appealing adverse permit decisions by the Department, 
and to clarify that hearings must be started, rather than held, within 
the 30-day timeframe. Montana is establishing that, since appeals of 
permit decisions of the Department are contested cases, they will be 
heard by the Board and not the Department in compliance with the 
provisions in 82-4-206, MCA. These minor changes clarify Montana's 
specific processes and do not alter the requirements of existing 
statutory provisions. Therefore, we find that they are consistent with 
and will not make Montana's statute less stringent than its Federal 
counterpart, SMCRA Section 514(c). We approve these changes to 82-4-
231, MCA.
    7. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-232(6), MCA, concerning bond 
release applications to:

    (1) Change the term bond release ``requests'' to bond release 
``applications'' ((6)(a));
    (2) Provide that a bond release application is administratively 
complete if it includes:
    (6)(b)(i) The location and acreage of the land for which bond 
release is sought;
    (ii) The amount of bond release sought;
    (iii) A description of the completed reclamation, including the 
date of performance;
    (iv) A discussion of how the results of the completed 
reclamation satisfy the requirements of the approved reclamation 
plan; and
    (v) Information required by rules implementing this part.
    (3) Provide that:
    (6)(c) The [D]epartment notify the applicant in writing of its 
determination no later than 60 days after submittal of the 
application; if the [D]epartment determines that the application is 
not administratively complete, it shall specify in the notice those 
items that the application must address; after an application for 
bond release has been determined to be administratively complete by 
the [D]epartment, the permittee shall publish a public notice that 
has been approved as to form and content by the [D]epartment at 
least once a week for 4 successive weeks in a newspaper of general 
circulation in the locality of the mining operation.
    (4) Provide that:
    (6)(d) Any person with a valid legal interest that might be 
adversely affected by the release of a bond or the responsible 
officer or head of any federal, state, or local governmental agency 
that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to 
any environmental, social, or economic impact involved in the 
operation or is authorized to develop and enforce environmental 
standards with respect to the operation may file written objections 
to the proposed release of bond to the [D]epartment within 30 days 
after the last publication of the notice. If written objections are 
filed and a hearing is requested, the [D]epartment shall hold a 
public hearing in the locality of the operation proposed for bond 
release or in Helena, at the option of the objector, within 30 days 
of the request for hearing. The [D]epartment shall inform the 
interested parties of the time and place of the hearing. The date, 
time, and location of the public hearing must be advertised by the 
[D]epartment in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality 
for 2 consecutive weeks. Within 30 days after the hearing, the 
[D]epartment shall notify the permittee and the objector of its 
final decision.
    (5) Provide that:
    (6)(e) Without prejudice to the rights of the objector or the 
permittee or the responsibilities of the [D]epartment pursuant to 
this section, the [D]epartment may establish an informal conference 
to resolve written objections.
    (6) Provide that:
    (6)(f) For the purpose of the hearing under subsection (6)(d), 
the [D]epartment may administer oaths, subpoena witnesses or written 
or printed materials, compel the attendance of witnesses or the 
production of materials, and take evidence, including but not 
limited to conducting inspections of the land affected and other 
operations carried on by the permittee in the general vicinity. A 
verbatim record of each public hearing required by this section must 
be made, and a transcript must be made available on the motion of 
any party or by order of the [D]epartment.
    (7) Provide that:
    (6)(g) If the applicant significantly modifies the application 
after the application has been determined to be administratively 
complete, the [D]epartment shall conduct a new review, including an 
administrative completeness determination. A significant 
modification includes, but is not limited to:
    (i) The notification of an additional property owner, local 
governmental body, planning agency, or sewage and water treatment 
authority of the permittee's intention to seek a bond release;
    (ii) A material increase in the acreage for which a bond release 
is sought or in the amount of bond release sought; or
    (iii) A material change in the reclamation for which a bond 
release is sought or the information used to evaluate the results of 
that reclamation.
    (8) Provide that:
    ((6)(h)) The [D]epartment conduct an inspection and evaluation 
of the reclamation work involved within 30 days of determining that 
the application is administratively complete or as soon as weather 
permits;
    (9) Provide that:
    (6)(i) The [D]epartment shall review each administratively 
complete application to determine the acceptability of the 
application. A complete application is acceptable if the application 
is in compliance with all of the applicable requirements of this 
part, the rules adopted under this part, and the permit.
    (10) Provide that:
    (6)(j)(i) The [D]epartment shall notify the applicant in writing 
regarding the acceptability of the application no later than 60 days 
from the date of the inspection.
    (ii) If the [D]epartment determines that the application is not 
acceptable, it shall specify in the notice those items that the 
application must address.
    (iii) If the applicant revises the application in response to a 
notice of unacceptability, the [D]epartment shall review the revised 
application and notify the applicant in writing within 60 days of 
the date of receipt as to whether the revised application is 
acceptable.
    (iv) If the revision constitutes a significant modification, the 
[D]epartment shall conduct a new review, beginning with an 
administrative completeness determination.
    (v) A significant modification includes, but is not limited to:
    (A) The notification of an additional property owner, local 
governmental body, planning agency, or sewage and water treatment 
authority of the permittee's intention to seek a bond release;
    (B) A material increase in the acreage for which a bond release 
is sought or the amount of bond release sought; or
    (C) A material change in the reclamation for which a bond 
release is sought or the information used to evaluate the results of 
that reclamation.

[[Page 27733]]

    (11) Recodify original subsections (6)(c) through (e) as (6)(k) 
through (m), with some minor editorial changes, and,
    (12) Recodify original subsections (6)(f) through (6)(h) as 
(6)(d) through (f).

    The proposed changes in Paragraph 3 above (MCA 82-4-232(6)(c)) 
require that public notice be published (at least once a week for 4 
successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality 
of the mining operation) after the bond release application has been 
reviewed and is determined to be administratively complete by the 
Department. These changes also include a provision which states that 
the Department will notify the applicant of its determination no later 
than 60 days after it receives the application. Although there is no 
direct Federal counterpart to this provision, we find that it is 
generally in accordance with Section 519 of SMCRA. The proposed changes 
at Paragraph (2) (MCA 82-4-232(b)(2)) state that a bond release 
application shall be administratively complete if it includes certain 
specific information specified in (6)(b)(i) through (v) listed above. 
The corresponding Federal counterpart to the above provisions, SMCRA 
519(a), requires the operator to publish (at least once a week for 4 
successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality 
of the mining operation) a notice within 30 days of filing an 
application for bond release containing the location of the land 
affected, the number of acres, the permit and the date approved, the 
amount of the bond filed, and the portion sought to be released, the 
type and dates of reclamation performed, and a description of the 
results as they relate to the operator's approved reclamation plan. 
Proposed 82-4-232(6)(b) and (c) are substantively identical to and in 
accordance with the requirements of Section 519(a) of the Act. We 
approve the changes.
    The changes in Paragraphs 4 through 10 above (MCA 82-4-232(6)(d) 
through (j)) specify requirements for bond release applications 
including criteria for administrative completeness and procedures for 
review. These provisions are similar to the provisions for permit and 
permit revision applications in MCA 82-4-231. While providing more 
specificity, revised MCA 82-4-232(6) (d), (e), (f), and (h) through (j) 
include all of the provisions contained in Sections 519 (a), (b), (d), 
(f), (g), and (h) of SMCRA regarding bond release procedures. MCA 82-4-
232(6) (g), (i), and (j) elaborate on administrative completeness 
determinations and procedures, and have no Federal counterparts. These 
additions add specificity to Montana's requirements and exceed SMCRA's 
requirements. For the above reasons, we find these changes to be no 
less stringent than comparable provisions in SMCRA, and we approve 
them.
    As discussed below, additional changes at MCA 82-4-232(11) and (12) 
are minor wording, editorial, punctuation, grammatical and 
recodification changes to existing statutes. More specifically, former 
MCA 82-4-232 (6)(c) through 82-4-232 (6)(e) have been recodified as 82-
4-232 (6)(k) through 82-4-232 (6)(m). These changes are required by 
other recodification changes within the statute. ``[O]r deposit'' has 
been deleted from 82-4-232 (6)(k). The term ``bonds'' means deposits 
such as cash or securities as well as other types of bonds and 
therefore the term ``deposits'' is not necessary. ``[O]r county'' was 
added to 82-4-232 (6)(m), clarifying that an applicant for total or 
partial bond release must notify the municipality or county in which a 
prospecting or mining operation is located 30 days prior to the bond 
release. This minor addition clarifies applicant responsibilities and 
does not alter the requirements of the provision. We find that these 
recodification and editorial changes are minor and do not change the 
meaning of existing statutes. We approve these changes.
    Former MCA 82-4-232(6)(f) through 82-4-232(6)(h) have been 
recodified as 82-4-232(6)(d) through (6)(f). These changes are required 
by recodification changes to the previously approved statute (January 
22, 1999) (64 FR 3604). The content of these provisions was unaffected, 
and we approve these changes.
    MCA 82-4-232(8) deals with proposals in postmining land use. 
Montana proposed in (a) to change ``alternate'' to ``alternative'' for 
consistency of terminology within the Montana statute and also with the 
revisions to rules approved by OSM on February 16, 2005 (70 FR 8018), 
where ``alternative'' was used. This is a minor wording change that is 
consistent with previously approved statutes and regulations. We 
approve this change.
    8. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-233, MCA, by deleting existing 
Paragraph (5) concerning special revegetation requirements for land 
that was mined, disturbed, or redisturbed after May 2, 1978, and that 
was seeded prior to January 1, 1984. Subsection (5) is no longer 
necessary as its provisions are now included in subsections (1) and (2) 
of 82-4-233, MCA. This is a result of changes to 82-4-233, MCA approved 
by OSM on February 16, 2005, (70 FR 8001). Subsections (1) and (2) 
include all the provisions of 30 CFR 816.111 for revegetation general 
requirements that were previously approved in subsection (5). We 
approve this change.
    9. Existing MCA 82-4-235(a) prescribes revegetation success 
criteria and the time requirements for reclamation responsibility for 
lands with regard to coal removal and disturbance or redisturbance 
before and after May 2, 1978. SMCRA took effect in two stages, an 
initial regulatory program described in Section 502, and the permanent 
regulatory program. On and after nine months from the date of enactment 
of the Act, on lands where surface coal mining operations were 
regulated by States, the initial regulatory program required compliance 
with Section 515(b)(19) of SMCRA requiring establishment of vegetative 
cover but did not require compliance with Section 515(b)(20) 
establishing the responsibility period for successful revegetation. The 
initial regulatory program became effective on May 3, 1978. The 
permanent regulatory program became effective with permits issued under 
approved State regulatory or Federal programs. Under MCA 82-4-235(a), 
lands mined for coal or redisturbed prior to May 3, 1978 are subject to 
revegetation requirements listed in existing MCA 82-4-235(3)(a)(i) and 
(ii). Existing MCA 82-4-235 (2) sets a period of 5 years after planting 
as the responsibility period for lands mined for coal or redisturbed 
prior to May 3, 1978. Montana proposes additional language to MCA 82-4-
235(3)(a) to clarify that lands disturbed by mining at any time prior 
to May 3, 1978 that were permitted under Montana programs that preceded 
SMCRA are required to meet the vegetation requirements in MCA 82-4-
235(3)(a)(i) and (ii). For the most part, this additional provision 
deals with lands not subject to SMCRA provisions. Despite this proposed 
change, MCA 82-4-235 remains in accordance with requirements in SMCRA 
in Sections 515(b)(19) and (20) and in Section 502 (c). The addition 
also provides clarification to the statute that was previously approved 
by OSM in the January 22, 1999 Federal Register (64 FR 3604). We 
approve the changes.
    10. Montana 82-4-251(3), MCA, pertains to orders issued to the 
permittee to show cause as to why the permit should not be suspended or 
revoked based on a determination that a pattern of violations exists. 
The existing provision provides for the opportunity for a public 
hearing in accordance with Section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA. In addition, 
Montana proposed that the permittee may request a contested case 
hearing. Pursuant to

[[Page 27734]]

Montana's Administrative Procedures Act, whenever a statute requires a 
license or permit decision to be preceded by a hearing, the contested 
case provisions apply pursuant to MCA 82-4-206(2). Procedures for 
contested case hearings are contained in Title 2, chapter 4, part 6, 
MCA (2-4-601 through 2-4-631). The contested case procedures provide 
for opportunity for reasonable notice, requiring the reason for and 
details of the hearing, and prescribe hearing procedures and time 
limits for decisions. Applying the contested case provisions of the 
Montana Administrative Procedures Act to hearings required in the 
Montana regulatory program is reasonable, is not inconsistent with the 
requirements of Section 521(a)(5) of the Act for notices and orders, 
public hearings conferences, and procedures associated with enforcement 
matters, and does not alter our previous approvals of MCA 82-4-251(3). 
We approve the change.
    In 82-4-251(5), MCA, revisions are proposed to (a) allow an 
opportunity by a permittee to request an informal public hearing on any 
notice or order issued by the Department under this section of the 
Montana Code, and (b) specify the procedures for such informal 
hearings. More specifically, Montana proposes the above revisions to 
provide that informal public hearings on notices or orders that require 
cessation of mining must be requested by the person to whom the notice 
or order was issued. Further, if the Department receives a request for 
an informal public hearing 21 days after service of the notice or 
order, the period for holding the informal public hearing will be 
extended by the number of days after the 21st day that the request was 
received. Montana's previous statute did not provide for an opportunity 
by a permittee to request an informal public hearing on any notice or 
order issued by the Department under the statute. Therefore, it was 
inconsistent with the provisions in Section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA which 
provide the opportunity for a public hearing to be requested by the 
permittee after service of ``* * * an order to the permittee to show 
cause as to why the permit should not be revoked or suspended * * *.'' 
The proposed changes are in accordance with Section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA 
and the requirements for notices and orders, public hearings 
conferences, and procedures associated with enforcement matters 
contained in Section 521(a)(5). We approve these changes.
    Montana proposes to revise 82-4-251(6), MCA, to allow an alleged 
violator to ``request a hearing before the [B]oard,'' and delete 
existing requirements for Departmental investigations. Previously, 
hearings under this subsection were limited to notices of violation and 
cessation orders. The previous version also specified that the hearings 
were to be conducted by the Department, and the Department was required 
to make findings and issue a decision from such hearings. By 
definition, this is contrary to 82-4-205(2) which requires that 
contested cases must be heard and decided by the Board of Environmental 
Review and not the Department. The above changes rectify this problem 
and are in accordance with the requirements for notices and orders, 
public hearings conferences, and procedures associated with enforcement 
matters contained in Section 521(a)(5) of SMCRA. Therefore, we approve 
these changes.
    The following paragraphs, 11 through 27, address proposed changes 
to Montana statutes and regulations dealing with penalties. The 
standard for penalty provisions in a State program is established in 
Section 518(i) of SMCRA. This provision states that civil and criminal 
penalty provisions shall incorporate penalties no less stringent than 
those set forth in Section 518 of the Act, and shall contain the same 
or similar procedural requirements. OSM suspended 30 CFR 732.15(b)(7) 
and 840.13(a) (which implement Section 518(i) of the Act) insofar as 
they require State programs to establish a point system for assessing 
civil penalties or impose civil penalties as stringent as those 
appearing in 30 CFR 845.15 (which deals with the assessment of separate 
violations for each day) (August 4, 1980) (45 FR 51548). Hence, if the 
State program requires consideration of the four mandatory statutory 
criteria--history of previous violations, seriousness, negligence, and 
good faith in attempting to achieve compliance--when determining 
whether to assess a penalty and in determining the penalty amount, the 
program meets the Federal requirements. 30 CFR Part 846 covers the 
assessment of individual civil penalties and is the basis for State 
regulations.
    11. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-254(1)(a), MCA, to provide 
individual administrative penalties determined in accordance with 82-4-
1001, MCA, for persons who ``purposely or knowingly,'' rather than 
``willfully,'' authorize, order, or carry out violations. Montana 
explains that the terms ``purposely or knowingly'' are used in the 
Montana Criminal Code, and ``willfully'' is not; therefore, this change 
will provide consistency within Montana state law. OSM believes that 
Montana's term ``purposely or knowingly'' is substantively the same as 
``willfully and knowingly,'' as used in Section 518(e) of SMCRA and we 
are approving it.
    Montana proposes further additions and deletions in (1)(a) that are 
minor wording, editorial, punctuation, grammatical and recodification 
changes to existing statutes. Additionally, the term ``civil'' is 
replaced with ``administrative'' to clarify that penalties assessed by 
the Department are administrative penalties, rather than judicial 
penalties that are levied by Montana State District Court. This 
proposed change is consistent with Section 518(b) of SMCRA which 
provides for penalties to be assessed by the regulatory body, and not 
through the courts. This change is therefore consistent with SMCRA, and 
we approve it.
    Proposed part (b) references a new section, MCA 82-4-1001, which 
sets forth guidelines for determining the amount of administrative 
penalty to be assessed (discussed below).
    82-4-254(2), MCA, is revised to add that the Department may not 
waive a penalty assessed under the section if the person or operator 
fails to abate the violation as directed under MCA 82-4-251. This 
revision does not have a Federal counterpart and is more stringent than 
requirements in Section 518 of SMCRA dealing with the assessment of 
penalties. Moreover, the addition provides clarification and 
specificity to existing provisions. We approve this change.
    Montana also proposes additions and deletions in 82-4-254(2), MCA 
that are for clarification of terminology. These changes are minor and 
do not alter the meaning of the existing regulation. We approve these 
minor changes.
    Montana adds new requirements at 82-4-254(3)(a), MCA, providing 
that:

    To assess an administrative penalty under this section, the 
Department shall issue a notice of violation and penalty order to 
the person or operator, unless the penalty is waived pursuant to 
subsection (2). The notice and order must specify the provision of 
this part, rule adopted or order issued under this part, or term or 
condition of a permit that is violated and must contain findings of 
fact, conclusions of law, and a statement of the proposed 
administrative penalty. The notice and order must be served 
personally or by certified mail. Service by mail is complete 3 
business days after the date of mailing. The notice and order become 
final unless, within 30 days after the order is served, the person 
or operator to whom the order was issued requests a hearing before 
the Board.

    A requirement is added to Paragraph (3)(a) that on receiving a 
request, the Board must schedule a hearing. The

[[Page 27735]]

changes in proposed MCA 82-4-254(3)(a) are for the purpose of 
converting the current two-step process of assessing a penalty into a 
more streamlined one-step process. The Department would now issue a 
Notice of Violation and Administrative Penalty Order (NOV/APO) that 
would contain all of the relevant components from the existing two-step 
process. If a hearing is not requested, the NOV/APO would become final 
and eliminate the need to issue separate findings of fact and 
conclusions of law.
    New Paragraph (3)(b) indicates that only persons or operators 
issued a final order may obtain judicial review. The changes in MCA 82-
4-254(3)(b) reflect the changes in (3)(a) and provide additional 
clarification.
    New Paragraphs (3)(c) and (4) allow (1) the Department, rather than 
the Attorney General, to file actions for collection, (2) filing in the 
first judicial district (if agreed by the parties), and (3) the 
Department, rather than the Attorney General, to bring actions for 
judicial relief. Additionally, the changes in MCA 82-4-254(3)(c) 
specify that the Department, not the Attorney General, may file an 
action in District Court to recover penalties; Department attorneys are 
special assistants to the Attorney General and are authorized to file 
such cases in District Court. The changes in MCA 82-4-254(4) reflect 
changes in (3)(c) specifying that the Department, rather than the 
Attorney General, may file an action for a restraining order or 
temporary or permanent injunction against an operator or person meeting 
criteria outlined in subsections (4)(a) through (f).
    These changes will result in assessment and collection of civil 
penalties by Montana in accordance with the provisions for assessing 
and collecting civil penalties found in Section 518(a), (b), (c) and 
(d) of SMCRA. The changes provide clarification and specificity to 
existing provisions. We approve the proposed changes, finding that the 
additions and deletions are reasonable and do not alter OSM's previous 
decision to approve MCA 82-4-254(1) through (3) in the January 22, 1999 
Federal Register (64 FR 3604).
    12. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.24.1219(1) and (2) for 
individual civil penalties and procedures for assessments that reflect 
revisions discussed above to 82-4-254(3)(a), MCA. The proposed 
amendments to (1) and (2) provide for the Department to issue a penalty 
order rather than a statement of proposed penalty. The proposed 
amendment to subparagraph (1) also deletes the requirement that the 
penalty document give an explanation for the penalty as well as its 
amount. These requirements are now set forth in 82-4-254(3)(a) and 82-
4-1001, MCA (see Findings 11 and 15). It is, therefore, unnecessary to 
impose them by administrative rule. These changes to ARM 117.24.1219, 
reflect the changes in 82-4-254(3)(a), MCA that were approved by OSM on 
February 16, 2005 (70 FR 8018). We approve the changes to ARM 
17.24.1219(1) and (2).
    13. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.24.1220(1), (2) and (3) 
concerning individual civil penalty payments. The proposed amendment to 
subparagraph (1) reflects the proposed changes to MCA 82-4-254 
discussed above, and requires the payment of a penalty within 30 days 
after the expiration of the period for requesting a hearing rather than 
upon issuance of the final order. Pursuant to 82-4-254, MCA, the notice 
of violation and penalty order become final by operation of law if a 
request for hearing is not made in a timely manner. Therefore, the 
deadline for paying the penalty must be keyed to the expiration of the 
period for requesting a hearing (rather than to the issuance of a final 
order as previously required under 82-4-254, MCA).
    Subparagraph (2) replaces the phrase ``proposed individual civil 
penalty assessment'' with ``violation and penalty order'' to maintain 
consistency with MCA 82-4-254. To further maintain this consistency, 
the phrase ``[U]pon issuance'' (of a final administrative order) is 
replaced with ``within 30 days after the issuance'' (of a final 
administrative order).
    Under 30 CFR 846.17(b), the notice of proposed individual civil 
penalty assessment shall become a final order of the Secretary 30 days 
after service upon the individual unless:
    (1) The individual files within 30 days of service of the notice of 
proposed individual civil penalty assessment a petition for review with 
the Hearings Division, Office of Hearings and Appeals; or
    (2) The Office [of Surface Mining] and the individual or 
responsible corporate permittee agree within 30 days of service of the 
notice of proposed individual civil penalty assessment to a schedule or 
plan for the abatement or correction of the violation.
    Under 30 CFR 846.18(a) a penalty for an individual civil penalty 
assessed in accordance with 30 CFR 846.17, in the absence of a petition 
for review or abatement agreement, shall be due upon issuance of the 
final order.
    The Federal and proposed State provisions have similar procedural 
requirements, differing only in that in the absence of requesting a 
hearing or a petition for review, the Federal notice becomes a final 
order and payment is due 30 days after issuance, whereas the State 
allows an additional 30 days (total of 60 days) for payment. The 
State's extra 30 days is keyed to the time allowed to file an appeal. 
OSM finds Montana's reference to the time period for requesting review 
to be reasonable since, until the time has passed to file a petition 
for review, the penalty may yet be subject to change. A comparison of 
the time frames for the Federal regulations and Montana's program, from 
detection of a violation, to the issuance of a notice of violation, to 
the issuance of civil penalties and individual civil penalties and the 
requirements for payment of penalties, indicates slight differences 
between the steps; however, the steps are similar from violation 
issuance to payment of the penalty. In addition, a petition for review 
under both the State and Federal schemes can delay the issuance of a 
final order affirming a penalty well beyond 30 days. These 
considerations reduce the importance of each specific Federal 
timeframe. For these reasons, Montana's proposed revisions to ARM 
17.24.1220(1) and (2) are consistent with 30 CFR 846.17 and 846.18 and 
we approve them.
    Section (3) currently provides that an individual who has entered 
into a written agreement with the Department for ``abatement of the 
violation'' or ``compliance with the unabated order'' may postpone 
payment until receiving a final order indicating that the penalty is 
due or has been withdrawn. Compliance with an unabated order is 
synonymous with the abatement of the violation. The proposed amendment 
to (3) deletes two unnecessary references to the phrase ``compliance 
with the unabated order.''
    Section (3) is nearly identical to its Federal counterpart at 30 
CFR 846.18(c), which states that ``[w]here the Office and the corporate 
permittee or individual have agreed in writing on a plan for the 
abatement of or compliance with the unabated order, an individual named 
in a notice of proposed civil penalty assessment may postpone payment 
until receiving either a final order from the Office stating that the 
penalty is due on the date of such final order, or written notice that 
the abatement or compliance is satisfactory and the penalty has been 
withdrawn.'' The changes to subsection (3) are for clarification and 
reduce redundancy without altering the meaning of the existing 
regulation. Accordingly, we approve the proposed changes.

[[Page 27736]]

    14. Montana proposed to revise 82-4-254(6) and (8), MCA, to provide 
criminal sanctions against persons who purposely or knowingly, rather 
than willfully, commit certain acts. The term ``willfully'' is changed 
to ``purposely or knowingly'' for clarification and consistency with 
82-4-254(1)(a), MCA, and other provisions of State law. In a previous 
finding (see Paragraph 11 above), we found that the term, ``purposely 
and knowingly,'' is substantively the same as ``willfully and 
knowingly'' used in Section 518(e) of SMCRA. For the above reasons, we 
are approving the proposed changes to 82-4-254(6) and (8), MCA, because 
they are minor and do not change the meaning of the existing statute.
    Montana adds a new Paragraph, 82-4-254(10), MCA, providing that 
within 30 days after receipt of full payment of an administrative 
penalty assessed under this section, the Department will issue a 
written release of civil liability for the violations for which the 
penalty was assessed. This provides a legal conclusion to violations 
that have been satisfactorily resolved. This is an addition for which 
there is no Federal counterpart. Section 518(i) of SMCRA states that 
``any State program * * * shall, at a minimum, incorporate penalties no 
less stringent than those set forth in this section, and shall contain 
the same or similar procedural requirements relating thereto.'' We find 
the proposed addition does not jeopardize other Program requirements 
that ensure assessment and collection of civil penalties in accordance 
with the requirements of Section 518 of SMCRA. Therefore, we approve 
this addition.
    15. Montana proposed a new section, 82-4-1001, MCA, as follows:

    Penalty factors.
    (1) In determining the amount of an administrative or civil 
penalty assessed under the statutes listed in subsection (4), the 
[D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality or the district court, as 
appropriate, shall take into account the following factors:
    (a) The nature, extent, and gravity of the violation;
    (b) The circumstances of the violation;
    (c) The violator's prior history of any violation, which:
    (i) Must be a violation of a requirement under the authority of 
the same chapter and part as the violation for which the penalty is 
being assessed;
    (ii) Must be documented in an administrative order or a judicial 
order or judgment issued within 3 years prior to the date of the 
occurrence of the violation for which the penalty is being assessed; 
and
    (iii) May not, at the time that the penalty is being assessed, 
be undergoing or subject to administrative appeal or judicial 
review;
    (d) The economic benefit or savings resulting from the 
violator's action;
    (e) The violator's good faith and cooperation;
    (f) The amounts voluntarily expended by the violator, beyond 
what is required by law or order, to address or mitigate the 
violation or impacts of the violation; and
    (g) Other matters that justice may require.
    (2) Except for penalties assessed under 82-4-254, after the 
amount of a penalty is determined under (1), the [D]epartment of 
[E]nvironmental [Q]uality or the district court, as appropriate, may 
consider the violator's financial ability to pay the penalty and may 
institute a payment schedule or suspend all or a portion of the 
penalty.
    (3) Except for penalties assessed under 82-4-254, the 
[D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality may accept a supplemental 
environmental project as mitigation for a portion of the penalty. 
For purposes of this section, a ``supplemental environmental 
project'' is an environmentally beneficial project that a violator 
agrees to undertake in settlement of an enforcement action but which 
the violator is not otherwise legally required to perform.
    (4) This section applies to penalties assessed by the 
[D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality or the district court 
under 82-4-141, 82-4-254, 82-4-361, and 82-4-441.
    (5) The [B]oard of [E]nvironmental [R]eview and the [D]epartment 
of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality may, for the statutes listed in 
subsection (4) for which each has rulemaking authority, adopt rules 
to implement this section.

    The purpose of this new section is to create a standard set of 
factors that can be used to assess and enforce penalties for the 
Montana Program and 15 other environmental programs under the 
Department's jurisdiction. This enables staff to apply fair and 
consistent penalties Department wide.
    Section (1)(a) lists the following factor for consideration: ``the 
nature, extent and gravity of the violation.'' In considering the 
``nature'' of a violation, Montana states in its submission that the 
Department will determine whether the violation harms or has the 
potential to harm human health or the environment, or whether the 
violation adversely impacts the Department's administration of the 
Montana Act. This is consistent with and corresponds to the 
consideration of ``seriousness'' in Section 518(a) of SMCRA.
    Montana further explains in its submission that the consideration 
of ``extent'' takes into account the degree of harm or potential harm 
to human health and the environment, or the degree of adverse impact to 
the Department's administration of the Montana Act. As such, Montana 
states that violations resulting in a higher degree of harm or 
potential harm or a higher degree of adverse impact to the Department's 
administration of the Montana Act will be assigned higher points under 
``extent.'' This too is in accordance with the ``seriousness'' factor 
in Section 518(a) of SMCRA.
    Next, Montana states that the consideration of ``gravity'' in 
(1)(a) factors in the probability of occurrence. Specifically, a 
violation that results in a higher probability of occurrence of the 
event that a standard is designed to prevent is more grave than a 
violation with a lower probability of the occurrence of the event, and 
will be assigned more points. This also is consistent with the 
consideration of ``seriousness'' in Section 518(a) of SMCRA.
    In its submission, Montana states that the consideration of 
``circumstances'' in (1)(b) directly relates to the negligence or 
culpability of the violator. This definition also is set forth under 
proposed ARM 17.4.302 (1), described below. Under the Department's 
proposed penalty rules, the more negligent or culpable the violator is, 
the higher the penalty will be. This is consistent with the 
consideration of ``negligence'' in Section 518(a) of SMCRA.
    Proposed section MCA 82-4-1001(1)(c) defines the ways a violator's 
prior history of violations may result in increased penalty assessment. 
Subsections (1)(c)(i), (ii), and (iii) specify that for violations to 
be considered as prior history, they must be less than 3 years old, a 
violation of the same chapter and part as the violation for which the 
penalty is assessed, and not under administrative appeal or judicial 
review. This section is in accordance with the requirement in Section 
518(a) of SMCRA to consider the permittee's history of previous 
violations.
    Proposed section MCA 82-4-1001(1)(d) allows the Department in 
assessing a penalty to consider the economic benefit or savings 
resulting from the violator's action. The new text in (1)(d) takes into 
account the extent to which a violator has gained any economic benefit 
as a result of its failure to comply. The Federal regulations do not 
contain a similar provision. However, Montana's provision can only 
result in an increased penalty should there have been an economic 
benefit or savings resulting from the violator's action. Therefore, we 
find new (1)(d) to be no less effective than the Federal regulations 
and we approve it.
    The assessment of ``good faith and cooperation'' under proposed 
section MCA 82-4-1001(1)(e) relates to a violator's willingness to 
abate the violation, and measures employed to abate the violation in 
the timeliest manner possible, with the least amount

[[Page 27737]]

of environmental harm possible. In its submission, Montana explains 
that, if a person has a high degree of good faith and cooperation, the 
Department will calculate a lower penalty. This subsection is 
consistent with Section 518(a) of SMCRA dealing with the consideration 
of ``demonstrated good faith'' by the permittee in attempting to 
achieve compliance and we approve it.
    Proposed section MCA 82-4-1001(1)(f) allows the Department to 
consider the amount voluntarily expended by the violator beyond what is 
necessary to address or mitigate the violation or impacts of the 
violation. There is no counterpart in the Federal regulations allowing 
for consideration of effort or amounts expended beyond the necessary 
minimum. However, a provision of 30 CFR 845.16(a) allowing for waiver 
of use of the formula to determine civil penalty provides that ``the 
Director shall not waive the use of the formula or reduce the proposed 
assessment on the basis of an argument that a reduction in the proposed 
penalty could be used to abate violations of the Act, this chapter, any 
applicable program, or any condition of any permit or exploration 
approval.'' Under Montana's proposed (1)(f) the amount of funding or 
effort required to abate the violation cannot be considered in reducing 
the penalty. Rather, this provision gives the Department the authority 
to consider amounts expended by the operator beyond that which is 
necessary to abate the violation. Therefore, we find that new (1)(f) is 
not inconsistent with the Federal regulations and we approve it.
    In its submission, Montana states that provision (1)(g) was 
inserted to cover other circumstances that warrant consideration in 
penalty assessment, e.g. to provide for fairness and effectiveness. 
Montana goes on to explain that the Department expects that this factor 
will only be used when, based on particular facts and circumstances, 
the application of the penalty factors would not result in a fair and 
just penalty. 30 CFR 845.16(a), concerning waiver of use of the formula 
to determine civil penalty, states that ``The Director, upon his own 
initiative or upon written request received within 15 days of issuance 
of a notice of violation or a cessation order, may waive the use of the 
formula contained in 30 CFR 845.13 to set the civil penalty, if he or 
she determines that, taking into account exceptional factors present in 
the particular case, the penalty is demonstrably unjust.'' We find 
proposed (1)(g) to be consistent with this provision in the Federal 
regulations and we approve it.
    Subsections (2) and (3) allow for penalties in other Departmental 
programs to be reduced and waived, but do not apply to penalties 
assessed in the coal regulatory program under 82-4-254, MCA. Thus, 
these provisions are of no concern for purposes of this amendment.
    Subsection (4) states that the provisions of this section (82-4-
1001, MCA) will apply to penalties assessed by the Department or 
District Court, and subsection (5) empowers the Department and Board to 
adopt rules to implement this new statute. This delegation of authority 
is acceptable under Montana's permanent regulatory program approved by 
OSM in the April 1, 1980 Federal Register (45 FR 21560), and we approve 
it.
    We are approving each of the proposed changes above in MCA, 82-4-
1001, finding that the additions and deletions incorporate penalties 
that are no less stringent than those set forth in Section 518 of the 
Act and contain the same or similar procedural requirements relating 
thereto.
    16. Consistent with 82-4-254(1), MCA (discussed above), Montana 
proposed revisions to ARM 17.24.1218 to require that individual civil 
penalties be calculated based on criteria specified in 82-4-1001, MCA. 
The changes to ARM 17.24.1218 implement and are consistent with changes 
to the corresponding statute and we are approving them.
    17. Montana proposed revisions to 17.4.303, ARM concerning base 
penalties. Montana proposes that the Department shall calculate the 
penalties according to the following:

    (1) The base penalty is calculated by multiplying the maximum 
penalty amount authorized by statute by a factor from the 
appropriate base penalty matrix in (2) or (3). In order to select a 
matrix from (2) or (3), the nature of the violation must first be 
established. For violations that harm or have the potential to harm 
human health or the environment, the [D]epartment shall classify the 
extent and gravity of the violation as major, moderate, or minor as 
provided in (4) and (5). For all other violations, the extent factor 
does not apply, and the [D]epartment shall classify the gravity of 
the violation as major, moderate, or minor as provided in (5).
    (2) The [D]epartment shall use the following matrix for 
violations that harm or have the potential to harm human health or 
the environment:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Gravity
              Extent              --------------------------------------
                                      Major       Moderate      Minor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major............................         0.85         0.70         0.55
Moderate.........................         0.70         0.55         0.40
Minor............................         0.55         0.40         0.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) The [D]epartment shall use the following matrix for 
violations that adversely impact the [D]epartment's administration 
of the applicable statute or rules, but which do not harm or have 
the potential to harm human health or the environment:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Gravity
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Major                        Moderate      Minor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.50..........................................         0.40         0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) In determining the extent of a violation, the factors that 
the [D]epartment may consider include, but are not limited to, the 
volume, concentration, and toxicity of the regulated substance, the 
severity and percent of exceedance of a regulatory limit, and the 
duration of the violation. The [D]epartment shall determine the 
extent of a violation as follows:
    (a) A violation has a major extent if it constitutes a major 
deviation from the applicable requirements;
    (b) A violation has a moderate extent if it constitutes a 
moderate deviation from the applicable requirements;
    (c) A violation has a minor extent if it constitutes a minor 
deviation from the applicable requirements.
    (5) The [D]epartment shall determine the gravity of a violation 
as follows:
    (a) A violation has major gravity if it causes harm to human 
health or the environment, poses a serious potential to harm human 
health or the environment, or has a serious adverse impact on the 
[D]epartment's administration of the statute or rules. Examples of 
violations that may have major gravity include a release of a 
regulated substance that causes harm or poses a serious potential to 
harm human health or the environment, construction or operation 
without a required permit or approval, an exceedance of a maximum 
contaminant level or water quality standard, or a failure to provide 
an adequate performance bond.
    (b) A violation has moderate gravity if it:

[[Page 27738]]

    (i) Is not major or minor as provided in (5)(a) or (c); and
    (ii) Poses a potential to harm human health or the environment, 
or has an adverse impact on the [D]epartment's administration of the 
statute or rules. Examples of violations that may have moderate 
gravity include a release of a regulated substance that does not 
cause harm or pose a serious potential to harm human health or the 
environment, a failure to monitor, report, or make records, a 
failure to report a release, leak, or bypass, or a failure to 
construct or operate in accordance with a permit or approval.
    (c) A violation has minor gravity if it poses no risk of harm to 
human health or the environment, or has a low adverse impact on the 
[D]epartment's administration of the statute or rules. Examples of 
violations that may have minor gravity include a failure to submit a 
report in a timely manner, a failure to pay fees, inaccurate 
recordkeeping, or a failure to comply with a minor operational 
requirement specified in a permit.

    Pursuant to the above-described regulations, the first step in the 
penalty calculation process is to identify a base penalty, which is a 
percentage of the statutory maximum penalty. The percentage varies 
depending on how the three statutory factors of ``nature'', ``extent'', 
and ``gravity'' are weighed. These three statutory factors are defined 
and two matrices are created for determining the amount of the base 
penalty.
    The ``nature'' of a violation is determined on the basis of whether 
it harms or has the potential to harm human health or the environment.
    The ``extent'' of a violation is determined by considering such 
factors as the volume, concentration and toxicity of the regulated 
substance, the severity and percent exceedance of a regulatory limit, 
and the duration of the violation.
    The ``gravity'' of a violation is determined by considering (among 
other things) such factors as whether a release of a regulated 
substance has occurred, the degree of risk to human health or the 
environment, and the extent of impact to the Department's ability to 
administer the statute and rules.
    The rule clarifies how the statutory factors will be implemented, 
and ensures that a consistent penalty calculation process is used for 
all of the environmental laws subject to 82-4-1001, MCA.
    The additions noted above under ARM 17.4.303 implement 82-4-1001, 
MCA. OSM approved the proposed changes to 82-4-1001, MCA in Paragraph 
15 above. Penalties under 82-4-1001, MCA are based on the ``nature, 
extent, gravity, and circumstances'' of the violation. The violator's 
history and good faith abating the violation are also factors in 
determining penalties in 82-4-1001, MCA. Our approval found that 82-4-
1001, MCA incorporated factors for determining penalties in accordance 
with Section 518 of the Act. ARM 17.4.303 clarifies how the statutory 
factors in 82-4-1001, MCA will be implemented. It includes a procedure 
for calculating penalties. As discussed above, the standard for penalty 
provisions in a State program is established in Section 518(i) of 
SMCRA. This provision states that civil and criminal penalty provisions 
shall incorporate penalties no less stringent than those set forth in 
Section 518 of the Act, and shall contain the same or similar 
procedural requirements. OSM suspended 30 CFR 732.15(b)(7) and 
840.13(a) insofar as they require State programs to establish a point 
system for assessing civil penalties or to impose civil penalties as 
stringent as those appearing in 30 CFR 845.15 (August 4, 1980) (45 FR 
51548). Hence, if the State program requires consideration of the four 
mandatory statutory criteria--history of previous violations, 
seriousness, negligence, and good faith in attempting to achieve 
compliance--when determining whether to assess a penalty and in 
determining the penalty amount, the program meets the Federal 
requirements. 30 CFR Part 846 covers the assessment of individual civil 
penalties and is the basis for State regulations.
    We find that Montana's procedure for calculating penalties 
incorporates criteria consistent with the four criteria of Section 
518(a) of SMCRA. Additionally, we find that ARM 17.4.303 is consistent 
with 82-4-1001, MCA, and that both of these provisions provide for 
civil penalties in accordance with Section 518 of the Act. Therefore, 
we approve the additions to ARM 17.4.303.
    18. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.4.304, for adjusted base 
penalty.

    (1) As provided in this rule, the [D]epartment may consider 
circumstances, good faith and cooperation, and amounts voluntarily 
expended to calculate an adjusted base penalty. Circumstances may be 
used to increase the base penalty. Good faith and cooperation and 
amounts voluntarily expended may be used to decrease the base 
penalty. The amount of adjustment for each of the above factors is 
based upon a percentage of the base penalty. The amount of the 
adjustment is added to the base penalty to obtain an adjusted base 
penalty.
    (2) The [D]epartment may increase a base penalty by up to 30 
percent based upon the circumstances of the violation. To determine 
the penalty adjustment based upon circumstances, the [D]epartment 
shall evaluate a violator's culpability associated with the 
violation. In determining the amount of increase for circumstances, 
the [D]epartment's consideration must include, but not be limited 
to, the following factors:
    (a) How much control the violator had over the violation;
    (b) The foreseeability of the violation;
    (c) Whether the violator took reasonable precautions to prevent 
the violation;
    (d) The foreseeability of the impacts associated with the 
violation; and
    (e) Whether the violator knew or should have known of the 
requirement that was violated.
    (3) The [D]epartment may decrease a base penalty by up to 10 
percent based upon the violator's good faith and cooperation. In 
determining the amount of decrease for good faith and cooperation, 
the department's consideration must include, but not be limited to, 
the following factors:
    (a) The violator's promptness in reporting and correcting the 
violation, and in mitigating the impacts of the violation;
    (b) The extent of the violator's voluntary and full disclosure 
of the facts related to the violation; and
    (c) The extent of the violator's assistance in the 
[D]epartment's investigation and analysis of the violation.
    (4) The [D]epartment may decrease a base penalty by up to 10% 
based upon the amounts voluntarily expended by the violator, beyond 
what is required by law or order, to address or mitigate the 
violation or the impacts of the violation. The amount of a decrease 
is not required to match the amounts voluntarily expended. In 
determining the amount of decrease for amounts voluntarily expended, 
beyond what is required by law or order, the [D]epartment's 
consideration must include, but not be limited to, the following 
factors:
    (a) Expenditures for resources, including personnel and 
equipment, to promptly mitigate the violation or impacts of the 
violation;
    (b) Expenditures of resources to prevent a recurrence of the 
violation or to eliminate the cause or source of the violation; and
    (c) Revenue lost by the violator due to a cessation or reduction 
in operations that is necessary to mitigate the violation or the 
impacts of the violation.

    This proposed rule implements 82-4-1001, MCA (discussed above), and 
sets out procedures for adjusting the base penalty based upon a 
consideration of the three statutory factors of ``circumstances,'' 
``good faith and cooperation,'' and ``amounts voluntarily expended.''
    The rule provides for an increase to the base penalty by up to 30 
percent based upon the circumstances of the violation. In determining 
the adjustment for circumstances, the rule requires a consideration of 
factors that reflect the culpability of the violator. As discussed in 
Paragraph 15 above, circumstances directly relate to the negligence or 
culpability of the violator. Under both State and Federal regulations, 
a more negligent violator will receive a higher penalty. Therefore, we 
find that the

[[Page 27739]]

consideration of ``circumstances'' in Section (2) is consistent with 
the consideration of ``negligence'' in Section 518(a) of the Act.
    The rule provides for a decrease to the base penalty up to 10 
percent based upon a consideration of certain factors that reflect the 
good faith and cooperation of a violator, and a decrease to the base 
penalty up to 10 percent based upon certain voluntary expenditures. 
Good faith and cooperation relate to a violator's willingness to abate 
the violation, and measures employed to abate the violation in the 
timeliest manner possible, with the least amount of environmental harm 
possible. If a person has a high degree of good faith and cooperation, 
the Department will calculate a lower penalty. This is in accordance 
with SMCRA Section 518(a) dealing with ``good faith'' in attempting to 
achieve compliance. We approve ARM 17.4.304.
    19. Montana proposed adding a new section 82-4-1002, MCA, covering 
collection of penalties, fees, late fees, and interest as follows:

    (1) If the [D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality is unable 
to collect penalties, fees, late fees, or interest assessed pursuant 
to the provisions of this chapter, the [D]epartment of 
[E]nvironmental [Q]uality may assign the debt to a collection 
service or transfer the debt to the [D]epartment of [R]evenue 
pursuant to Title 17, chapter 4, part 1.
    (2)(a) The reasonable collection costs of a collection service, 
if approved by the [D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality, or 
assistance costs charged the [D]epartment of [E]nvironmental 
[Q]uality by the [D]epartment of [R]evenue pursuant to 17-4-103(3) 
may be added to the debt for which collection is being sought.
    (b)(i) All money collected by the [D]epartment of [R]evenue is 
subject to the provisions of 17-4-106.
    (ii) All money collected by a collection service must be paid to 
the [D]epartment of [E]nvironmental [Q]uality and deposited in the 
general fund or the accounts specified in statute for the assessed 
penalties, fees, late fees, or interest, except that the collection 
service may retain those collection costs or, if the total debt is 
not collected, that portion of collection costs that are approved by 
the [D]epartment.

    The purpose of this new section is to assist the Department in the 
collection of penalties. There is no Federal counterpart to this 
section. We are approving the proposed changes, finding that they add 
specificity to the Montana program and are not inconsistent with SMCRA 
or the Federal regulations.
    In various provisions mentioned above, Montana proposes changes to 
paragraph numbering where provisions are proposed to be added, deleted, 
or provide clarity. Montana also proposes editorial revisions not 
specified above. Because such changes and revisions are minor and do 
not alter the meanings of the respective provisions, we approve them.
    Montana proposes changes and additions to other regulations 
implementing changes to the MCA that are discussed above. The proposed 
regulation changes to implement 82-4-254, 1000, 1001, and 1002, MCA 
deal with civil penalty assessments and procedures for collection, 
waivers, and conferences related to penalty assessments. Montana 
proposes regulations that track the Federal regulations in 30 CFR 845. 
Normally, OSM would review these regulations for consistency with the 
counterpart Federal regulations. However, the Federal regulations at 30 
CFR 845.12 through .15 have been suspended insofar as they require 
State programs to establish a point system for assessing or imposing 
civil penalties as stringent as those appearing in 30 CFR 845.15. 
Section 518(i) of SMCRA only requires the incorporation of penalties 
and procedures explicated in Section 518 of the Act. The system 
proposed by the State must incorporate the four criteria of Section 
518(a) (August 4, 1980) (45 FR 51548). As previously stated, Montana 
proposes changes to provisions for waivers, procedures, conferences, 
hearings and payment. The counterpart Federal provisions at 30 CFR 
845.16 through .20 have not been suspended. Therefore, Montana's 
provisions for these subjects are evaluated below for consistency with 
the Federal provisions.
    20. Montana has proposed new rules at ARM 17.4.301, ARM 17.4.302, 
and ARM 17.4.305 through ARM 17.4.308 (as discussed in the findings 
that follow) to implement 82-4-1001, MCA and set out the details of how 
the statutory penalty factors will be used in the penalty calculation 
process. 82-4-1001, MCA is discussed and approved above. Specifically, 
Montana proposed new subchapter ARM 17.4.301:

    (1)(a) Through (d) which implements 82-4-1001, MCA, and provides 
factors for calculating penalties assessed under several titles 
including Title 82, chapter 4, parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, MCA, insofar as 
they relate to reclamation requirements.
    (2) The purpose of the penalty calculation process is to 
calculate a penalty that is commensurate with the severity of the 
violation, that provides an adequate deterrent, and that captures 
the economic benefit of noncompliance. The [D]epartment shall 
provide a copy of the penalty calculation to the alleged violator.
    (3) The [D]epartment may not assess a penalty that exceeds the 
maximum penalty amount authorized by the statutes listed in (1).

    Proposed ARM 17.4.301(2) describes the overall purpose of penalties 
relating to severity of the violation, adequate deterrent, and the 
principle that economic benefit of noncompliance is a consideration. 
Proposed ARM 17.4.301(3) states that the [D]epartment may not assess a 
penalty that exceeds the maximum penalty amount authorized by the 
statutes listed in subparagraph (1). The objectives for civil penalties 
are described in 30 CFR 845.2. Civil penalties are assessed under 
Section 518 of SMCRA which is intended to deter violations and ensure 
maximum compliance with the terms and purposes of the Act. There is no 
requirement for a State to incorporate counterparts to the Federal 
provisions describing scope and objectives. However, introductory 
regulations such as Montana's overall purpose states in ARM 17.4.301(2) 
do not conflict with purposes and objectives in SMCRA or the Federal 
regulations. ARM 17.4.301(3) states that penalties cannot exceed 
maximum authorized penalty amounts. For the reasons discussed above, we 
find subparagraphs (2) and (3) to be reasonable and not in conflict 
with Section 518 of SMCRA or 30 CFR part 845 and we approve them.
    21. Montana proposed new subchapter ARM 17.4.302, Definitions. 
Montana adds definitions for terms used throughout its regulations and 
statutes. In its submittal, Montana explains that the definitions are 
necessary to clarify the meaning of the rules and achieve consistent 
and fair penalty calculations. The definitions are:

    (1) ``Circumstances'' means a violator's culpability associated 
with a violation.
    (2) ``Continuing violation'' means a violation that involves an 
ongoing unlawful activity or an ongoing failure to comply with a 
statutory or regulatory requirement.
    (3) ``Extent'' of the violation means the violator's degree of 
deviation from the applicable statute, rule or permit.
    (4) ``Gravity'' of the violation means the degree of harm, or 
potential for harm, to human health or the environment, or the 
degree of adverse effect on the [D]epartment's administration of the 
statute and rules.
    (5) ``History of violation'' means the violator's prior history 
of any violation, which:
    (a) Must be a violation of a requirement under the authority of 
the same chapter and part as the violation for which the penalty is 
being assessed;
    (b) Must be documented in an administrative order or a judicial 
order or judgment issued within three years prior to the date of the 
occurrence of the violation for which the penalty is being assessed; 
and

[[Page 27740]]

    (c) May not, at the time that the penalty is being assessed, be 
undergoing or subject to administrative appeal or judicial review.
    (6) ``Nature'' means the classification of a violation as one 
that harms or has the potential to harm human health or the 
environment or as one that adversely affects the department's 
administration of the statute and rules.

    These regulatory definitions define terms used in Montana's 
statutes which we approved in Paragraph 15 above. We find these 
definitions to be reasonable and consistent with their use within the 
Montana program and statutes. OSM is approving the additions noted 
above under ARM 17.4.302, Definitions.
    22. Montana proposed the following revisions to ARM 17.4.305, Total 
Adjusted Penalty--Days of Violation:

    (1) The [D]epartment may consider each day of each violation as 
a separate violation subject to penalties. The [D]epartment may 
multiply the adjusted base penalty calculated under [NEW RULE IV] by 
the number of days of violation to obtain a total adjusted penalty.
    (2) For continuing violations, if the application of (1) results 
in a penalty that is higher than the department believes is 
necessary to provide an adequate deterrent; the [D]epartment may 
reduce the number of days of violation.

    Montana represents in its submittal that the environmental laws 
provide the Department with discretion whether and how to bring 
enforcement actions, and that most of the laws state that each day of 
violation constitutes a separate violation. Montana goes on to explain 
that this rule clarifies that the Department may limit the number of 
days for which it assesses penalties if an assessment for the full 
number of violation days would result in a penalty that is higher than 
the Department believes is necessary to provide an adequate deterrent. 
Lastly, Montana states that, under this rule, the adjusted base penalty 
calculated under ARM 17.4.304 (as discussed in Paragraph 18 above) is 
multiplied by the appropriate number of days to arrive at a total 
adjusted penalty.
    30 CFR 845.16(a) provides that ``[t]he Director, upon his own 
initiative or upon written request received within 15 days of issuance 
of a notice of violation or cessation order, may waive the use of the 
formula contained in 30 CFR 845.13 to set the civil penalty, if he or 
she determines that, taking into account exceptional factors present in 
the particular case, the penalty is demonstrably unjust.''
    Montana's proposed rule at ARM 17.4.305 provides discretion similar 
to and consistent with that allowed in 30 CFR 845.16(a) to adjust 
penalties on a case by case basis to ensure a fair and just penalty. 
For this reason, OSM is approving the proposed revision.
    23. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.4.306, Total Penalty, 
History of Violation and Economic Benefit, as follows:

    (1) As provided in this rule, the [D]epartment may increase the 
total adjusted penalty based upon the violator's history of 
violation. Any penalty increases for history of violation must be 
added to the total adjusted penalty calculated under ARM 17.4.305 to 
obtain a total penalty.
    (2) The [D]epartment may calculate a separate increase for each 
historic violation. The amount of the increase must be calculated by 
multiplying the base penalty calculated under ARM 17.4.303 by the 
appropriate percentage from (3). This amount must then be added to 
the total adjusted penalty calculated under ARM 17.4.305.
    (3) The [D]epartment shall determine the nature of each historic 
violation in accordance with ARM 17.4.302(6). The [D]epartment may 
increase the total adjusted penalty for history of violation using 
the following percentages:
    (a) for each historic violation that, under these rules, would 
be classified as harming or having the potential to harm human 
health or the environment, the penalty increase must be 10% of the 
base penalty calculated under (ARM 17.4.303); and
    (b) for each historic violation that, under these rules, would 
be classified as adversely impacting the [D]epartment's 
administration of the applicable statute or rules, but not harming 
or having the potential to harm human health or the environment, the 
penalty increase must be 5% of the base penalty calculated under ARM 
17.4.303.
    (4) If a violator has multiple historic violations and one new 
violation, for which a penalty is being calculated under these 
rules, the percentages from (3) for each historic violation must be 
added together. This composite percentage may not exceed 30%. The 
composite percentage must then be multiplied by the base penalty for 
the new violation to determine the amount of the increase. The 
increase must be added to the total adjusted penalty for the new 
violation calculated under ARM 17.4.305.
    (5) If a violator has one historic violation and multiple new 
violations, each with a separate penalty calculation under these 
rules, the base penalties for the new violations calculated under 
ARM 17.4.303 must be added together. This composite base penalty 
must then be multiplied by the percentage from (3) for the historic 
violation to determine the amount of the increase. The increase must 
then be added to the sum of the total adjusted penalties calculated 
for each new violation under ARM 17.4.305.
    (6) If a violator has multiple historic violations and multiple 
new violations, for which a separate penalty is being calculated 
under these rules, the percentages from (3) for each historic 
violation must be added together, not to exceed 30%, and the base 
penalties for each new violation calculated under ARM 17.4.303 must 
be added together. The composite base penalties must be multiplied 
by the composite percentage to determine the amount of the increase. 
The increase must be added to the sum of the total adjusted 
penalties calculated for each violation under ARM 17.4.305.

    In its submittal, Montana states that new ARM 17.4.306 sets out 
procedures for increasing the total adjusted penalty calculated under 
ARM 17.4.305 (discussed in Paragraph 22 above), based on certain 
qualifying prior violations, and clarifies how the Department will 
calculate the adjustment for prior violations. The definitions of what 
constitutes a qualifying prior violation are set out in newly-proposed 
and approved 82-4-1001(1)(c), MCA and ARM 17.4.302(5), respectively. 
Montana further explains that, under this rule, the total adjusted 
penalty calculated under ARM 17.4.305 is adjusted for prior violations 
to arrive at a total penalty.
    In approving 82-4-1001, MCA (Paragraph 15) above, OSM found that 
the Department's consideration of a violator's prior history of certain 
violations to increase a penalty is in accordance with Section 518 of 
SMCRA. New ARM 17.4.306 implements 82-4-1001, MCA. For the reasons 
stated in Paragraph 15 above, we approve it.
    24. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.4.307, Economic Benefit, 
as follows:

    (1) The [D]epartment may increase the total adjusted penalty, as 
calculated under ARM 17.4.305, by an amount based upon the 
violator's economic benefit. The [D]epartment shall base any penalty 
increase for economic benefit on the [D]epartment's estimate of the 
costs of compliance, based upon the best information reasonably 
available at the time it calculates a penalty under these rules. The 
economic benefit must be added to the total adjusted penalty 
calculated under ARM 17.4.305 to obtain the total penalty.

    This proposed rule implements subsection (1)(d) of 82-4-1001, MCA 
establishing any economic benefit or savings resulting from the 
violator's action as a factor for possibly increasing the total 
adjusted penalty. We are approving proposed ARM 17.4.307 because it 
implements the provisions of 82-4-1001, MCA, which we approved in 
Paragraph 15 above.
    25. Montana proposed ARM 17.4.308, to allow the Department to 
consider other matters as ``justice may require'' when determining 
penalties. The Department may consider such matters to either increase 
or decrease the total penalty. This rule implements 82-4-1001(1)(g), 
MCA that we approved above. The Department states that this factor will 
be used only when, based on particular facts and circumstances, the 
application of the factors in new rules

[[Page 27741]]

ARM 17.4.301 through ARM 17.4.307 would result in an injustice.
    Although worded differently, this waiver of the use of the penalty 
factors in certain circumstances to increase or decrease the total 
penalty amount is consistent with 30 CFR 845.16 that allows a penalty 
to be adjusted as appropriate so long as a written explanation is 
provided for the assessment. Accordingly, we find ARM 17.4.308 to be no 
less stringent than the Federal requirements at SMCRA Section 518 and 
consistent with 30 CFR 845.16 and we approve it.
    26. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.24.1206(2), concerning 
notices and orders of abatement and cessation orders, including 
issuance and service. The proposed amendment implements 82-4-254(3)(a), 
MCA, which requires the Department to issue a Notice of Violation and 
Penalty Order containing (among other things) findings of fact and 
conclusions of law that, in the absence of a request for a hearing, 
becomes a final order of the Department. Therefore, for the same 
reasons discussed in Paragraph 11 above approving the provisions in 82-
4-254(3)(a), MCA, we also approve the changes to ARM 17.24.1206(2).
    27. Montana proposed revisions to ARM 17.24.1211(2), (3), and (4) 
addressing the procedure for assessment and waiver of civil penalties. 
These changes implement changes to the statute at 82-4-254, MCA, 
discussed in Paragraph 11 above, which we are approving. The proposed 
amendment to subparagraph (2) replaces the term ``proposed penalty'' 
with ``penalty order.'' Additionally, the time within which a person 
charged with a violation can request a contested case hearing is 
changed from 20 to 30 days to be consistent with the time allowed under 
82-4-254, MCA. This proposed change is consistent with Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR 845.19(a), which allow a person 30 days from the 
date the proposed assessment or reassessment is received to request a 
hearing. The proposed amendment further provides that the person 
charged with a violation may enter into settlement negotiations with 
the Department prior to the notice and order being finalized (rather 
than prior to the Department's issuance of findings of fact, 
conclusions of law and order). Also in ARM 17.24.1211(2), the notice 
and order become final by operation of law if a request for a hearing 
is not timely received. As discussed above, this change is consistent 
with 82-4-254, MCA, and with Federal regulations at 30 CFR 845.20(a) 
which states ``[i]f the person to whom a notice of violation or 
cessation order is issued fails to request a hearing as provided in 
Sec.  845.19, the proposed assessment shall become a final order * * 
*.''
    Lastly, the proposed amendment to subparagraph (2) deletes the 
requirement that the Department issue findings of fact, conclusions of 
law and order either after the hearing or after the period of 
requesting a hearing has expired. This is so because, as previously 
discussed, the Department will now include findings of fact and 
conclusions of law in the Notice of Violation and Penalty Order. OSM is 
approving these changes to ARM 17.24.1211(2), finding that the 
additions and deletions are consistent with 30 CFR 845.19(a) concerning 
requests for hearings and 30 CFR 845.20 pertaining to final assessment 
and payment of penalties.
    Montana's proposed amendment to ARM 17.24.1211(2) also requires the 
Department to serve a notice of violation within 90 days after issuance 
of the notice of noncompliance. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 
843.14 require the notice to be served on the person to whom it is 
directed or their designated agent ``promptly after issuance.'' 
Montana's current regulation requires service within 30 days following 
issuance of the notice of noncompliance. Montana states that in 
practice, 30 days has proven to be an insufficient amount of time 
within which to issue a notice of violation. This is due to the fact 
that an alleged violator is afforded an opportunity to submit a 
statement of mitigating circumstances regarding the occurrence of the 
violation and the assessment of the proposed penalty. The Department 
then reviews and responds in writing to the statement of mitigating 
circumstances. This process usually takes more than 30 days. The 
purpose of this new requirement is to provide notice of the violations 
as soon as possible. Under Montana's proposal, given the fact that the 
violator has an opportunity to submit a statement of mitigating 
circumstances, the operator does have such ``notice.'' Therefore, the 
violator does not suffer any prejudice by being issued the notice of 
violation 90 days after the notice of noncompliance is issued. For 
these reasons, we accept Montana's explanation for allowing 90 days to 
serve the notice of violation and find it to be consistent with the 
requirements of 30 CFR 843.14. We approve the change.
    Montana's proposed amendment to ARM 17.24.1211(3) provides that 
penalties are to be calculated pursuant to new 82-4-1001, MCA, which 
establishes new factors for penalties that are applicable to all 
environmental programs administered by the Department. We are approving 
the new 82-4-1001, MCA in Paragraph 15 above. As a consequence, 
existing ARM 17.24.1212(3), Point System for Civil Penalties and 
Waivers, is being repealed because its method of penalty calculation is 
inconsistent with 82-4-1001, MCA.
    For the above reasons, OSM approves the revisions to ARM 
17.24.1211(3) finding that the revisions and the proposed civil penalty 
assessment procedure are in accordance with Section 518(i) of SMCRA, 
which requires State programs to incorporate penalties no less 
stringent than those set forth in SMCRA.
    In ARM 17.24.1211(4), Montana proposes waiver provisions for minor 
violations. Under these proposals, decisions to waive a penalty for a 
violation must be based on whether the violation presents potential 
harm to public health, public safety, or the environment, or impairs 
the Department's administration of the Strip and Underground Mine 
Reclamation Act. Provisions for the waiver of use of the formula to 
determine civil penalty are found at 30 CFR 845.16 and state that, if 
the Director finds that exceptional factors present in a case 
demonstrate that the penalty is demonstrably unjust, he may waive the 
use of the formula for calculating penalties. Montana's provision would 
allow the penalty to be completely waived, while the Federal provision 
allows the method of calculating the penalty to be waived, which could 
result in a penalty being waived. Both provisions are based on a 
determination that the penalty is demonstrably unjust. Accordingly, OSM 
finds the waiver provision in revised ARM 17.24.1211(4) to be 
consistent with the Federal provision at 30 CFR 845.16 and we approve 
it.

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

Public Comments

    One comment letter was received from an individual, dated December 
28, 2006 (Administrative Record No. MT-24-7) commenting on SAT-026-FOR. 
The commenter's overall concern is that with recent amendments, Montana 
has softened its required enforcement so that it is no longer timely. 
Specifically, the commenter stated that Montana has no requirements for 
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 843.12(b) and for Section 521(a)(4) 
of SMCRA. As discussed below, Montana has existing provisions that are 
consistent with 30 CFR 843.12(b) and in accordance with

[[Page 27742]]

Section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA. Nonetheless, Montana's provisions are not 
being changed in this amendment, and therefore are not subject to 
comment or revision at this time.
    30 CFR 843.12(b) requires that notices of violation describe the 
nature of the violation, the remedial action required, the time for 
abatement, and a description of the area of the permit to which it 
applies. Montana's statute at MCA 82-4-251(2) requires that, ``When, on 
the basis of an inspection, the [D]epartment determines that any 
permittee is in violation of any requirement of this part or any permit 
condition required by this part that does not create an imminent danger 
to the health or safety of the public or cannot be reasonably expected 
to cause significant and environmental harm to land, air, or water 
resources, the director or an authorized representative shall issue a 
notice to the permittee or the permittee's agent fixing a reasonable 
time, not exceeding 90 days, for the abatement of the violation * * 
*.''
    Section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA requires reviews of violations to 
determine whether a pattern exists which can lead to suspension or 
revocation of the permit. Montana has consistent provisions in its 
statutes at 82-4-251(3), MCA and its regulations at ARM 17.24.1213.

Federal Agency Comments

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and Section 503(b) of SMCRA, we 
requested comments on the amendment from various Federal agencies with 
an actual or potential interest in the Montana program (Administrative 
Record Nos. MT-23-3 and MT-24-3). We received comments from two Federal 
Agencies.
    In its December 12, 2006, letter commenting on SATS MT-027-FOR, the 
United States Geological Survey said it had ``no comments'' 
(Administrative Record No. MT-24-4). In its December 6, 2006 letter, 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) said it had ``no objections'' 
(Administrative Record No. MT-24-5) for SATS MT-027-FOR. In its 
February 7, 2006, letter on SATS MT-026-FOR (Administrative Record No. 
MT-23-4), BIA said that it did not recognize any deficiencies but 
commented on some wording in Section 7 of 82-4-226, MCA pertaining to 
prospecting for which no prospecting permit is required. Specifically, 
BIA stated that the first sentence in Section 7 is difficult to 
understand. In response, we note that Section 7 was previously approved 
by OSM and is not being changed as part of these amendments. Therefore, 
it is not under consideration. 82-4-226, MCA establishes requirements 
for prospecting permits, but only Section (3) is being changed in this 
amendment by eliminating the application fee (see Paragraph 4 above).

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Concurrence and Comments

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and (ii), we are required to get 
concurrence from EPA for those provisions of the program amendment that 
relate to air or water quality standards issued under the authority of 
the Clear Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act (42 
U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
    None of Montana's proposed revisions pertains to air or water 
quality standards. Therefore we did not ask EPA to concur on the 
amendment.

State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on 
Historic Preservation (ACHP)

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are required to request comments from 
the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect on historic 
properties. On November 30, 2006, we requested comments on Montana's 
amendment (Administrative Record No. MT-24-3), but neither responded to 
our request.

V. Director's Decision

    Based on the above findings, the Director approves Montana's 
proposed amendments as submitted on January 18 and November 6, 2006, 
respectively.
    The Director approves, as discussed in III, OSM's Findings, 
amendments to MCA 82-4-206, Procedure for contested case hearings; MCA 
82-4-223, Permit fee and surety bond; MCA 82-4-225, Application for 
increase or reduction in permit area; MCA 82-4-226, Prospecting permit; 
MCA 82-4-227, Refusal of permit; MCA 82-4-231, Submission of and action 
on reclamation plan; MCA 82-4-232, Area mining required--bond--
alternative plan; MCA 82-4-233, Planting of vegetation following 
grading of disturbed area; MCA 82-4-235, Determination of successful 
reclamation--final bond release; MCA 82-4-251, Noncompliance--
suspension of permits; MCA 82-4-254, Violation--penalty--waiver; MCA 
82-4-1001, Penalty factors; and MCA 82-4-1002, Collection of penalties, 
fees, late fees, and interest; ARM 17.4.301 Purpose; ARM 17.4.302 
Definitions; 17.4.303 Base Penalty; ARM 17.4.304 Adjusted Base 
Penalty--Circumstances, Good Faith and Cooperation, Amounts Voluntarily 
Expended; ARM 17.4.305 Total Adjusted Penalty--Days of Violation: ARM 
17.4.306 Total Penalty--History of Violation, Economic Benefit; ARM 
17.4.307 Economic Benefit; ARM 17.4.308 Other Matters as Justice may 
Require; ARM 17.24.1206 Notices, Orders of Abatement and Cessation 
Orders: Issuance and Service; ARM 17.24.1211 Procedure for Assessment 
and Waiver of Civil Penalties; ARM 17.24.1212 Point System for Civil 
Penalties and Waivers; ARM 17.24.1218 Individual Civil Penalties: 
Amount; ARM 17.24.1219 Individual Civil Penalties: Procedure for 
Assessment; and ARM 17.24.1220 Individual Civil Penalties: Payment.
    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR Part 926, codifying decisions 
concerning the Montana program, are being amended to implement this 
decision. This final rule is being made effective immediately to 
expedite the State program amendment process and to encourage States to 
bring their programs into conformity with the Federal standards without 
undue delay. Consistency of State and Federal standards is required by 
SMCRA.

VI. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12630--Takings

    This rule does not have takings implications. This determination is 
based on the analysis performed for the Federal regulations.

Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is exempted from review by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required 
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 and has determined that this rule 
meets the applicable standards of subsections (a) and (b) of that 
section. However, these standards are not applicable to the actual 
language of State regulatory programs and program amendments because 
each program is drafted and promulgated by a specific State, not by 
OSM. Under Sections 503 and 505 of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and 
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10), 
decisions on proposed State regulatory programs and program amendments 
submitted by the States must be based solely on a determination of 
whether the submittal is consistent with SMCRA and its implementing 
Federal regulations and whether the other requirements of 30 CFR Parts 
730, 731, and 732 have been met.

[[Page 27743]]

Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    This rule does not have federalism implications. SMCRA delineates 
the roles of the Federal and State governments with regard to the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations. One of 
the purposes of SMCRA is to ``establish a nationwide program to protect 
society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal 
mining operations.'' Section 503(a)(1) of SMCRA requires that State 
laws regulating surface coal mining and reclamation operations be ``in 
accordance with'' the requirements of SMCRA. Section 503(a)(7) requires 
that State programs contain rules and regulations ``consistent with'' 
regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.

Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated the 
potential effects of this rule on Federally recognized Indian tribes 
and have determined that the rule does not have substantial direct 
effects on any Tribe, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. The 
State of Montana, under a Memorandum of Understanding with the 
Secretary of the Interior (the validity of which was upheld by the U.S. 
District Court for the District of Columbia), does have the authority 
to apply the provisions of the Montana regulatory program to mining of 
some coal minerals held in trust for the Crow Tribe. This proposed 
program amendment does not alter or address the terms of the MOU.

Executive Order 13211--Regulations That Significantly Affect The 
Supply, Distribution, or Use of Energy

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 which 
requires agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for a rule 
that is (1) considered significant under Executive Order 12866, and (2) 
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy. Because this rule is exempt from review 
under Executive Order 12866 and is not expected to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, a 
Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not require an environmental impact statement 
because Section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that 
agency decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions do not 
constitute major Federal actions within the meaning of section 
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3501 et seq.).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
The rule approves the provision of the state submittal which applies 
only in the state of Montana.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), of the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S. based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
    This determination is based upon the fact that the State submittal 
applies only in the state of Montana and will have limited economic 
affect.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any 
given year. This determination is based upon the fact that the rule 
approves the state submittal and does not impose an unfunded mandate.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 926

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

    Dated: April 2, 2008.
Billie E. Clark,
Acting Director, Western Region.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, Title 30, Chapter VII 
Subchapter T of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth 
below:

PART 926--MONTANA

0
1. The authority citation for part 926 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.


0
2. Section 926.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in 
chronological order by ``Date of Final Publication'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  926.15  Approval of Montana regulatory program amendments.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Original amendment           Date of final
       submission date             publication      Citation/description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
1/18/2006...................  May 14, 2008........  Montana Code
                                                     Annotated (MCA) 82-
                                                     4-206; 82-4-223; 82-
                                                     4-225; 82-4-226; 82-
                                                     4-227; 82-4-231; 82-
                                                     4-232; 82-4-233; 82-
                                                     4-235; 82-4-251; 82-
                                                     4-254; 82-4-1001;
                                                     82-4-1002.
11/6/2006...................  May 14, 2008........  Administrative
                                                     Record of Montana
                                                     (ARM) 17.4.301;
                                                     17.4.302; 17.4.303;
                                                     17.4.304; 17.4.305;
                                                     17.4.306; 17.4.307;
                                                     17.4.308;
                                                     17.24.1206;
                                                     17.24.1211;
                                                     17.24.1212;
                                                     17.24.1218;
                                                     17.24.1219;
                                                     17.24.1220.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. E8-10743 Filed 5-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P