The bill aims to establish a framework for nutrient loading offsets, offset amounts, and trading credits related to water quality discharge permits in Montana. It allows point source dischargers to receive these offsets or credits to meet permitting requirements, including nutrient effluent limitations. The bill modifies existing language by replacing "pollutant" with "offset amounts" and "trading credits," and it clarifies that dischargers can achieve compliance through reductions in nutrient loading from other sources within designated hydrologic units. The bill also specifies that the department will develop methodologies to quantify reductions in nutrient loading from nonpoint sources and outlines the criteria for measuring offsets based on the source of the reduction.

Additionally, the bill directs the department to amend existing policies and regulations to implement these provisions effectively. It emphasizes the importance of using scientifically supported methodologies for determining nutrient loading reductions and allows for the proposal of alternative projects that align with established data. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, ensuring prompt implementation of these new regulations.