Bill > HB923

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality to amend a specific administrative rule (ARM 17.30.716) related to nondegradation authorization for wastewater discharges. The amendment allows for a new categorical exclusion that would permit reviewing wastewater discharge applications for nonsignificance without requiring a background nitrogen sample in situations where groundwater cannot be sampled due to its absence or extreme depth. The bill removes previous language about county commission requirements and establishes a new subsection that provides flexibility in the review process. To support this rule amendment, the bill appropriates $500 from the general fund to the Department of Environmental Quality for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. The bill will be effective upon passage, with Section 2 (appropriation) specifically becoming effective on July 1, 2025, and it will apply to nondegradation authorization applications received on or after May 1, 2025. This change aims to streamline the environmental review process by providing a practical exception to standard groundwater sampling requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1155