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Bill to update tailings law spotlights independent review panels and public safety
Summary
HB 699 would make targeted changes to Montana's 2015 tailings law (SB 409), including clarifications on independent review panels (IRPs) and an exclusion for facilities under 50 acre‑feet. Industry and conservation groups largely supported the changes; DEQ also endorsed the bill.
Representative Bill Mercer opened House Bill 699 by describing the 2015 statute (Senate Bill 409) as an innovative framework for managing tailings storage facilities and said experience over the past decade revealed areas for improvement.
Mark Thompson of Montana Resources described technical aspects of tailings storage, including slurry management, embankment containment, and the need to protect against flood and seismic…
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