House Bill 685 introduces a "feasibility allowance" to align with Montana's water quality nondegradation policy, amending several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill revises the definition of "interested person" to include individuals requesting a feasibility allowance instead of authorization to degrade high-quality waters, reflecting a shift towards allowing certain activities that may impact water quality while adhering to environmental standards. Key changes include replacing the term "authorization to degrade state waters" with "feasibility allowance" in sections 75-5-303 and 75-5-605, clarifying the conditions under which degradation may occur. The bill also establishes a process for public notice and comment on feasibility allowance decisions, ensuring transparency and community involvement.

Additionally, the bill grants rulemaking authority to the relevant department, allowing for the establishment of administrative rules governing the implementation of the feasibility allowance. It mandates that the department cannot grant or deny petitions for outstanding resource water classification until full payment for the environmental impact statement is received and requires consultation with relevant state agencies and local governments during the review process. The bill outlines fee assessments related to permits and authorizations, ensuring that fees cover the department's costs for application reviews and compliance inspections, while also allowing municipalities to raise rates without the usual hearing requirements. Overall, House Bill 685 aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding water quality and resource management in Montana, balancing environmental protection with economic development needs.

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(4): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(5): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(6): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(7): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_1(8): 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
HB0685_X(1): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(10): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(11): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(12): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(13): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(14): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(15): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(2): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(3): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(4): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(5): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(6): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(7): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(8): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X(9): 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605
HB0685_X: 75-5-103, 75-5-301, 75-5-303, 75-5-316, 75-5-516, 75-5-605