Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law this week amending the state’s mining rules and regulations as they relate to the impact on water.
Senate Bill 1080 clarifies certain Oklahoma Water Resources Board requirements as they pertain to mining. The new law focuses on mines that overlay a “sensitive sole source groundwater basin or subbasin.”
The law takes effect Nov. 1, 2019 and will limit operations of such mines to no more than 5 years. The law is seen as an attempt to control groundwater infiltration of a mining pit.
The measure also creates a moratorium as the Water Board works with the Department of Mines and East Central University to study the trends of the Eastern Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and South Central Oklahoma.
Click here to view SB1080.