R647-4-114. Failure to Reclaim

If the operator of a large mining operation fails or refuses to conduct reclamation as required by the approved notice of intention, or fails or refuses to comply with Sections R647-4-107 through R647-4-109 and R647-4-111, the board may, after notice and hearing, order that. (1) Reclamation be conducted by the division and: (2) The costs and expenses of reclamation, together with costs of collection including attorney's fees, be recovered in a civil action brought by the attorney general against the operator in any appropriate court; and (3) Any surety filed for this purpose be forfeited. With respect to the surety filed with the division, the board shall request the Attorney General to take the necessary legal action to enforce and collect the amount of liability. Where surety or a bond has been filed with another governmental agency, the board shall notify such agency of the hearing findings, and seek forfeiture concurrence as necessary. (4) The forfeited surety shall be used only for the reclamation of the land to which it relates, and any residual amount returned to the rightful claimant pursuant to controlling law.