SB 18-041

Senate Bill 18-041 allows sand and gravel mine operators to use water for various purposes related to their mining activities without needing additional permits. This includes using water to mitigate the environmental impacts of mining and dewatering (removing groundwater). The bill affects companies that operate open mines where groundwater is exposed, making it easier for them to manage water usage as part of their operations. Since the status of this bill is "signed," it has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning these changes are now in effect.

Official Summary

Water Resources Review Committee. Current law requires operators of sand and gravel open mines that expose groundwater to the atmosphere to obtain a well permit and either: A replacement plan approved by the ground water commission for designated groundwater; or a plan for augmentation approved by the water court or a plan of substitute supply approved by the state engineer for tributary groundwater. The bill specifies that the replacement plan (in section 1 of the bill) or the plan of substitute supply (in section 2 ) and the permit may authorize uses of water incidental to open mining for sand and gravel, including specifically (among other things) the mitigation of impacts from mining and dewatering.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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