Passage of the Montana Environmental Policy Act of 1971 effectively created the Legislative Environmental Policy Office (LEPO). That act created the Environmental Quality Council, and its staff comprise LEPO. Non-partisan LEPO staff are policy experts in broad natural resources areas, such as energy, environmental protection, fish and wildlife, land resources and use, minerals, oil and gas, parks and recreation, state lands, and water use.
Whether fishing in hip-deep mountain streams, diverting lowland creeks over alfalfa crops, or simply drinking a glass of water, each Montanan has a unique view of water quality. However, Montana’s waters are integral to our economic and environmental well-being. To protect our state waters a framework of water quality laws exists. This guide focuses on the laws, policies, and processes related to water quality in state waters. It includes a brief discussion of standards for contaminants.
Lead Staff
Environmental Quality Council
Hazardous substances were used and produced at the Smurfit-Stone mill site, which is located southwest of Frenchtown and lies next to the Clark Fork River. Mill infrastructure—such as the pulp mill, holding ponds surrounded by berms that formerly held containing sludge and wastewater, an on-site dump, and outfall pipes jutting into the river—are part of the 5-square mile site. This report attempts to clarify aspects of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund cleanup process.
Lead Staff
Environmental Quality Council
Chasing trout in Montana’s lakes and streams is an established tradition. While many anglers cast for wild rainbows, browns, and cutthroats on public rivers and streams, others ply quieter waters of private fish ponds for these species. Montana has more than 2,000 private fish ponds licensed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Fisheries biologists and administrators license these ponds to ensure they do not become a conduit for invasive species or lead to habitat destruction. The program charges low fees but incurs much larger costs to administer the program.
Lead Staff
Environmental Quality Council
Extensive discussions helped gather a better understanding of electric power generation reserves and demand/load constraints that utilities face during extreme weather events. This report recognized that these issues are nationwide and not unique to Montana.
Lead Staff
Energy & Technology Interim Committee
