Bill > HF3050

This bill establishes new requirements for the safe storage of reactive mine waste in Minnesota, focusing on preventing environmental contamination. The legislation defines "reactive mine waste" as waste that causes a sustained decrease in pH of at least 0.5 units due to chemical interactions between sulfur-bearing minerals and oxygen. Nonferrous metallic mineral mining operations must now conduct chemical and physical characterization of mine waste before permit application and continuously throughout mining, in accordance with existing state rules. The bill requires that reactive mine waste storage facilities be designed by professional Minnesota-registered engineers who are proficient in managing such facilities. These designs must ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards through methods such as modifying the waste's physical or chemical characteristics, storing it in an environment that prevents water quality standards violations, or collecting and disposing of drainage waters that meet water quality standards. Additionally, the bill repeals an existing Minnesota Rule (6132.2200) related to reactive mine waste, potentially streamlining and updating the regulatory framework for mine waste management. The overall goal is to prevent the release of substances that could adversely impact natural resources, particularly water quality.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3050&ssn=0&y=2025