Iowa Code Title V. Agriculture [Chs. 159-215A] § 208.28. Forfeiture of bond--licensure restrictions

1. The attorney general, upon request of the division, shall institute proceedings for forfeiture of the bond posted by an operator to guarantee reclamation of a site where the operator is in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rule adopted by the division pursuant to this chapter. The division shall have the power to reclaim as required by section 208.17 any mined land with respect to which a bond has been forfeited, using the proceeds of the forfeiture to pay for the necessary reclamation work and associated administrative costs.

2. If the proceeds from bond forfeiture proceedings are insufficient to fully satisfy the estimated cost of reclaiming disturbed lands as required under section 208.17 and division rules, the operator shall be liable for remaining costs. The division may complete, or authorize completion of, the necessary reclamation and may authorize the attorney general to bring a civil action to recover from the operator all actual or estimated costs of reclamation in excess of the amount forfeited or require the operator to complete reclamation.

3. If the amount of bond forfeited exceeds the amount necessary to complete reclamation, the unused funds shall be returned to the operator or the surety, as appropriate.