Fisher Sand & Gravel Company of Glendive recently paid $10,407 to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to resolve violations of the Montana Opencut Mining Act at a gravel pit in Richland County, Montana.
In the early part of 2012, Fisher mined gravel outside of the Prewitt Pit #4’s permit boundary. Mining in an unapproved area is a violation, because there is no approved plan or financial assurance in place to properly reclaim the disturbed area. The company has since obtained an amendment to its reclamation permit to cover the unapproved area.
In another action, Fisher has agreed to pay a $38,500 penalty to resolve similar violations that occurred at the Winnecock Pit in Wheatland Co.
“Fisher took responsibility for the violation and worked with DEQ to correct the problems” said Daniel Kenney, DEQ Enforcement Specialist.
Fisher’s Operations Manager Mike Newton said, “We know the rules, we made some mistakes and we shall not let it happen again. Fisher has a long standing very good working relationship with DEQ and we feel that these penalties are fair and just.”
Persons who have questions about the requirements for opencut mining operations may contact DEQ’s Industrial and Energy Minerals Bureau at (406) 444-4970 or visit DEQ’s Opencut Mining Program’s web site at http://www.deq.mt.gov.
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