Sorted by date Results 1 - 7 of 7
Helena - When recreating on Montana's waterbodies this spring, summer and fall, be on the lookout for harmful algal blooms (HABs) that can occur on Montana's reservoirs and lakes. While not all algal blooms contain toxins, the blooms can impact human health and the health of freshwater ecosystems. Report suspected HABs at HAB.mt.gov to help others be alert and prevent illness. How to identify HAB: • A coloration or scum on the surface of the water that can look like grass clippings or spilled p...
Helena -The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking applications for approximately $1 million in funding for nonpoint source pollution reduction projects available under the Federal Clean Water Act. Nonpoint source pollution is the single largest cause of water quality impairment in Montana’s lakes and streams, and typically comes from sources spread out over a large area that are not regulated under a discharge permit. Nonpoint source water pollution is often associated with land uses such as agriculture, forestry, u...
Helena —The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) invite the public to provide input on an electric vehicle infrastructure plan for Montana. Over the last few months, the agencies have worked together to develop Montana’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) and are pleased to announce the draft plan is now available for public comment. The draft plan describes Montana’s strategy, vision and goals for spending Montana’s $43 million allocation of federal funds o...
Helena - The Department of Environmental Quality is proposing to renew the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity such as mining. The renewal of the multi-sector general permit will continue to provide statewide general permit coverage for owner and operators of industrial activities that discharge stormwater to state surface waters. The general permit requires permittees to develop, implement, and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention...
Helena - January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas found in some Montana homes. Long-term exposure can lead to a risk of lung cancer so it’s important to have your home tested for radon and install a mitigation system if levels are elevated. The winter months are the best time to test your home because radon levels are typically at their highest due to doors and windows being closed. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers free radon test kits for Montanans to test radon levels...
Helena - Schools across Montana are testing their drinking water for lead ahead of the Dec. 31, 2021 deadline outlined in the DPHHS Administrative Rules of Montana regarding matters of public health in schools. Dozens of school districts have already received their results and are in the process of remediating plumbing fixtures after testing in some locations showed elevated levels of lead. To ensure the water in Montana public schools is safe to drink, DPHHS requires all accredited K-12 schools to periodically sample all sinks and drinking...
Helena - The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment and holding a remote public hearing on the tentative determination to issue a Water Quality Certification for the Keystone XL Pipeline project in eastern Montana under section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The project requires a water quality certification because the pipeline would cross 201 wetland and water body features that are regulated under the Clean Water Act. A 36-inch diameter pipeline would be installed at water body crossings by creating an...
