MONTANA

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Contact:

Mark Peterson
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Permitting and Compliance Division
Metcalf Building
PO Box 200901
Helena, Montana  59620-0901
(406) 444-5344 or (406) 444-4633 (respectively)
(406) 444-1374  (fax)
mpeterson@state.mt.us

Montana State Regulations

Montana Constitutions, Statutes and Codes

Circular WQB-4
Standards for Multi-family Sewage Systems and Public Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems
1992

Circular WQB-5
Minimum Design Standards for On-Site Alternative Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems
1992

Circular WQB-6
Standards for Individual Sewage Systems
1992

Sanitation in Subdivision Act - MCA, Subdivision Rules
1997

Onsite regulations for Montana are currently under revision.  All sections within the rule are under revision, with an expected completion date to be June 2000.  Currently, the state of Montana is considering the implementation of performance based standards.

Several innovative and experimental technologies are covered under Circular WQB-5: Minimum Design Standards for On-Site Alternative Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems such as: aerobic treatment units (ATUs), alternative soil absorption designs, gravelless/chamber systems, evapotranspiration beds, mounds, and sand filters.

Experimental and alternative technologies listed in Circular WQB-5: Minimum Design Standards for On-Site Alternative Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems may be allowed by exception or variance.

Montana requires monitoring of all multi-family systems and some experimental systems.  The DEQ also encourages maintenance of package plants by a public entity.

The state of Montana does not provide a funding source to assist homeowners in replacing a failing system or installing a new system.  It is up to the individual homeowner to locate private funding sources.

There are no state level onsite certification programs; however, some individual counties have adopted certification programs for site evaluators and system installers.

Mr. Paddy Trussler with Lake County Land Services or Dr. Gretchen Rupp with Montana State University Extension, can be contacted at the below addresses concerning wastewater professional training and ongoing demonstration, research, and testing projects within the state.

Lake County Land Services
Courthouse
Polson, MT  59860
(406) 883-7236

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT  59715
(406) 994-1748

The DEQ is also responsible for large municipal septic system permitting and compliance.  Mr.  McKenna or Mr. Jim Melsiad with the DEQ can be contacted at (406) 444-5344 or (406) 444-5313, respectively, for further information.