AB236: Bill Text

LRB-2811/1

RCT:kaf:jf

1997 - 1998 LEGISLATURE

1997 Assembly BILL 236

April 3, 1997 - Introduced by Representatives Duff, Underheim, Seratti, Handrick, Ourada, Huebsch, Johnsrud, Kreibich, Gard, Ladwig, Musser, Goetsch, M. Lehman, Grothman, Vrakas and Schafer, cosponsored by Senators Weeden, Farrow, Huelsman and Panzer, by request of Governor Tommy G. Thompson. Referred to Committee on Environment.

AB236,1,2 An Act to create 293.49 (1) (a) 7. and 293.49 (1) (a) 8. of the statutes; relating to: issuance of metallic mining permits.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Current law prohibits mining for metallic minerals without a mining permit issued by the department of natural resources (DNR). DNR is required to issue a mining permit if it makes certain findings, including that the proposed mine will comply with all applicable air, water and solid and hazardous waste laws.

This bill adds findings that DNR must make in order to issue a mining permit: 1) that proven technology exists to ensure that the proposed mine will not pollute groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or from the release of heavy metals; and 2) that the proposed mine will use that technology.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB236, s. 1 Section 1. 293.49 (1) (a) 7. of the statutes is created to read:

AB236,2,2 293.49 (1) (a) 7. That proven technology exists to ensure that the proposed mining operation will operate without violating state groundwater or surface water statutes or rules due to acid drainage at the tailings site or at the mining site or due to the release of heavy metals.

AB236, s. 2 Section 2. 293.49 (1) (a) 8. of the statutes is created to read:

AB236,2,7 293.49 (1) (a) 8. That the proposed mining operation will use proven technology to ensure that the proposed mining operation will operate without violating state groundwater or surface water statutes or rules due to acid drainage at the tailings site or at the mining site or due to the release of heavy metals.

AB236,2,8 (End)