The bill aims to revise the categorical exclusions from a nondegradation authorization by directing the Department of Environmental Quality to amend ARM 17.30.716. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement for a county commission to demonstrate the establishment of certain conditions, such as prohibiting drinking water wells and maintaining a distance of 1,000 feet from high-quality surface waters. Instead, the bill introduces a new provision allowing for a wastewater discharge to be reviewed for nonsignificance without the need for a background nitrogen sample in situations where groundwater cannot be sampled due to its absence or depth.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $500 from the general fund to the Department of Environmental Quality for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to facilitate the rule amendment. The act will take effect upon passage and approval, with the exception of the appropriation section, which will become effective on July 1, 2025. Furthermore, the provisions of this act will apply to applications for nondegradation authorizations received on or after May 1, 2025.