I-186 requires the Department of Environmental Quality to deny a permit for any new hardrock mines in Montana unless the reclamation plan provides clear and convincing evidence that the mine will not require perpetual treatment of water polluted by acid mine drainage or other contaminants. The terms "perpetual treatment," "perpetual leaching," and "contaminants" within I-186 are not fully defined and would require further definition from the Montana Legislature or through Department of Environmental Quality rulemaking.
I-186 will cost $115,360 in its first fiscal year, increasing to $118,767 by fiscal year 2021. These costs are associated with more staff for environmental review for mining permit applications and anticipated litigation.

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