Montana DEQ Proposes Bond Adjustment for ES Stone Mining Operations
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is reviewing a request for a partial bond release from ES Stone and Structure, Inc., which operates a multi-site rock product operation under Operating Permit No. 00163. The DEQ currently holds a reclamation bond of $402,338 and proposes to release $233,561 while retaining $168,777. This adjustment accounts for undisturbed areas and partial reclamation activities, including the removal of stockpiled rock and waste rock, backfilling, and revegetation. Additionally, the DEQ is conducting a comprehensive bond review, proposing to increase the bond by $402,014 to cover updated costs for compliance with the Metal Mine Reclamation Act. The public has until August 20, 2026, to comment on the proposed changes, and a final bond determination will be issued after the comment period.