DEQ Proposed Rule Changes

From the Missoulian: "Environmental advocates say they are wary of a new streamlining of Montana's environmental laws that was authorized by the 2005 Legislature and will soon be put into effect through rules proposed by the state Department of Environmental Quality."

You can view the proposed rules on the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website. A public meeting will be held at 10:30 A.M. on January 31st in Room 152 of the State Capitol in Helena, and comments are due by 5 P.M. on February 7th.

The new rules were drafted due to two bills passed in the 2005 Regular Legislative Session, House Bill 428 and House Bill 429.

The DEQ website also recently posted two interesting documents on proposed changes to hard rock mining application requirements:

Economic Impacts of The Petition for Proposed Amendment of ARM 17.24.116 Pertaining to Hard Rock Mining Application Requirements for Operating Permits

Alternatives Analysis of Proposed Rule Making to Amend ARM 17.24.116 Pursuant to 2-4-405, MCA Application Requirements for Hard Rock Mine Operating Permits

Source: "DEQ plans to streamline enforcement." Missoulian January 9, 2006. A1.