§ 290-055. INTERIM MANAGEMENT PLANS

(a)

Within 90 days of a mine becoming idle as defined by section 2727.1 of SMARA, the operator shall submit to the Department for review and approval by the Director an Interim Management Plan. The Interim Management Plan shall be accompanied by a fee for review of the plan as adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, shall be considered an amendment to the approved Reclamation Plan, and shall include measures the operator will implement to maintain the site in compliance with all conditions of the approved Permit and/or Reclamation Plan.

(b)

The Interim Management Plan may remain in effect for a period not to exceed five years, at which time the Director shall do one of the following:

(1)

Renew the Interim Management Plan for an additional period not to exceed five years.

(2)

Require the operator to commence reclamation in accordance with the approved Reclamation Plan.

(c)

The financial assurance required by section 290-065 shall remain in effect during the period the surface mine is idle.

(d)

The Director shall review and approve the Interim Management Plan in accordance with section 2770(h) of SMARA. The Interim Management Plan may be approved subject to conditions in order to assure compliance with SMARA and/or the conditions of approval of the approved Permit and/or Reclamation Plan.

(e)

The Department shall annually inspect idle mines to assure compliance with the approved Interim Management Plan.