DEQ gives violations, says Montana Tunnels mine is abandoned By: Phoenix O'Connor and last updated 2021-07-28 20:33:29-04 HELENA â The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued three violations and is considering the Montana Tunnels by Jefferson City abandoned. The Montana Tunnels mine has been dormant since 2008, and the Mine's permit was suspended in 2018. Dan Walsh, who is the DEQ's Mining Bureau Chief, said, "So, for us, we need to have an on the ground check, so we do get a lot of information in paper form in the office, and we are able to do a check in the of...