Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update Minnesota's requirements for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. It aims to prevent environmental damage caused by the chemical interaction between sulfur-bearing minerals and oxygen that can lower water pH levels, leading to pollution.

Main Provisions

• New Requirements for Mine Waste: The bill mandates that mining operations handling nonferrous metallic minerals perform chemical and physical characterization of mine waste before applying for mining permits and continue to do so throughout the mining process.
• Design and Engineering Standards: The design of reactive mine waste storage facilities must be handled by professional engineers who are registered in Minnesota. These facilities need to comply with applicable water quality standards during both the construction phase and after the mine's closure.
• Reclamation and Storage Conditions: The storage design may involve altering the mine waste's physical or chemical properties or storing the waste in a manner that ensures it meets water quality standards upon discharge. Additionally, facilities must plan for the collection and proper disposal of any water that comes in contact with the waste.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Repeal of Prior Rules: This bill repeals Minnesota Rules part 6132.2200, which previously outlined similar but different requirements for managing reactive mine waste.
• Updated Compliance Measures: The bill ensures more stringent compliance with not only state but also federal, local, and tribal water quality standards.

Relevant Terms

reactive mine waste, water quality standards, nonferrous metallic minerals, chemical characterization, physical characterization, mining permit, waste storage facility, environmental impact, pollution prevention, professional engineering standards.