Mining Regulation Applications and Fees

​​About BMRR Permits - Read Before Submitting an Application

• When is a permit required? 
• Policy and Procedures for Water Pollution Control Permits 
• Guidance Document for Preparation of Operating Plans for Mining Facilities 
• State and Federal Permits Required In Nevada Before Mining or Milling Can Begin

Mining, Ore Processing, and Infiltration/Discharge Permit Applications

• Water Pollution Control Permit Application - "Form M" (PDF , Fillable PDF ,Online Form)
• Water Pollution Control General Permit Application for Physical Separation Facilities (PDF , Fillable PDF , Online Form)
• Application Requirements for Mining Operations (PDF , Fillable PDF , Online Form)
• Application Requirements for Physical Separation Facilities (PDF , Fillable PDF ,Online Form)
• Application Requirements for Discharge/Infiltration Facilities (PDF , Fillable PDF , Online Form)

Discharge Permit Applications

• 5-Year Infiltration or Discharge Permit Application (PDF , Fillable PDF , Online Form)
• Temporary Discharge Permit Application and Instructions (PDF , Fillable PDF ,Online Form)

Permit Fees, Timelines, and Modifications

The new Application Fee Schedule for all permit applications is effective on January 1, 2025. 

The Mining Program with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection presented a fee regulation amendment to the State Environmental Commission on September 5, 2024 and subsequently to the Legislative Commission on November 15, 2024.  The proposed changes were approved at both hearings, have been filed with the Secretary of State, and are now in effect.  These changes update the Mining Program’s approach to how Water Pollution Control Permit application and modification fees are assessed and redistribute the fees across the regulated industry to reflect workload and resources required to implement NDEP’s Mining Program. A quick overview can be found on our Fact Sheet.

The changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Most permit application fees have changed and are effective January 1, 2025. Please ensure you submit the correct fee along with your application. Please review the Application Fee Schedule.
• Permit application fees are assessed based on the operation type and tonnage processed.
  • General and Temporary Permits
  • Discharge to Surface Water that is not a waters of the U.S.
  • Discharge to Groundwater from dewatering of a Mine
  • Mining facilities either chemically processing material and using physical separation for recovery of material other than gold
  • Mining facilities using physical separation for recovery of gold
  • Facilities working toward closure and permit termination
• The new annual review and services (ARS) fee schedule is effective on January 1, 2025; there is a 2-step fee increase for the following fee due dates: July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026.
• The following changes for permit modification and preapplication reviews are effective January 1, 2025:
  • Pre-Application Review is now one quarter of the renewal fee for the proposed processing rate
  • Major Modification is equal to the renewal fee
  • Minor Modification is one half of the renewal fee to a maximum of $10,000
  • Engineering Design Changes are $1,000

• Time Allowed for Review of Water Pollution Control Permit Applications and Modifications 
• Engineering Design Change Guidance 

​Permit Transfer Requirements

• Water Pollution Control and Reclamation Permit Transfer Request to New Owner or Operator