This bill proposes the elimination of the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board and designates the Department of Environmental Quality as the new administrator of the Petroleum Tank Release Program. It amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to replace references to the "board" with "department," reflecting this shift in authority. The bill also repeals Section 2-15-92108, which pertains to the board, and outlines eligibility criteria for reimbursement of costs associated with accidental releases from petroleum storage tanks, specifying compliance with regulations and the requirement that the release must be discovered after April 13, 1989.

Furthermore, the bill details the responsibilities of owners or operators in the event of a release, including immediate notification to the department and adherence to corrective action plans. It establishes procedures for meetings regarding significant releases and clarifies the administration of the petroleum tank release cleanup fund, ensuring the department oversees its disbursements. The bill also allows the department to adopt rules for claims and reimbursement processes, while eliminating the board's role in budget reviews and meetings. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the management of petroleum tank releases and enhance the efficiency of fund administration while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-6-225, 75-11-302, 75-11-307, 75-11-308, 75-11-309, 75-11-312, 75-11-313, 75-11-314, 75-11-315, 75-11-318, 75-11-320, 75-11-407, 75-11-408