House Bill No. introduced by S. Fitzpatrick aims to enhance water quality management in Montana by introducing a "feasibility allowance" that allows for lower water quality in high-quality waters under specific conditions, replacing the previous term "authorization to degrade high-quality waters." The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, and 75-5-605, and grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish regulations that align with these new definitions. The bill emphasizes the need for economic, environmental, and technological feasibility while ensuring the protection of existing water uses, and mandates public notice and comment periods for decisions regarding these allowances.

Additionally, the bill establishes stricter rules for the classification of outstanding resource waters, prohibiting any degradation or new point source discharges that would permanently alter their quality. It outlines a detailed process for petitioning the DEQ to classify certain waters as outstanding resources, including the requirement for an environmental impact statement and the payment of costs exceeding estimated expenses. The bill also introduces a fee structure for permits and authorizations, allowing municipalities to raise rates to cover these fees without the usual hearing requirements. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance economic development needs with the imperative of maintaining high water quality standards, with an immediate effective date to ensure prompt implementation.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(1): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(2): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(3): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1: 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605