75-2-402. Emergency procedure. - Montana Statutes

     75-2-402. Emergency procedure. (1) Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, if the department finds that a generalized condition of air pollution exists and that it creates an emergency requiring immediate action to protect human health or safety, the department shall order persons causing or contributing to the air pollution to immediately reduce or discontinue the emission of air contaminants. Upon issuance of this order, the department shall fix a place and time within 24 hours for a hearing to be held before the board. Within 24 hours after the commencement of the hearing and without adjournment, the board shall affirm, modify, or set aside the order of the department.
     (2) In the absence of a generalized condition such as that referred to in subsection (1), if the department finds that emissions from the operation of one or more air contaminant sources are causing imminent danger to human health or safety, it may order the person responsible for the operation in question to reduce or discontinue emissions immediately, without regard for 75-2-401. In this event, the requirements for hearing and affirmance, modification, or setting aside of orders as provided in subsection (1) apply.
     (3) This section does not limit any power which the governor or any other officer may have to declare an emergency and act on the basis of this declaration, whether the power is conferred by statute or constitutional provisions or inheres in the office.
     (4) Nothing in 75-2-205 may be construed to require a hearing before the issuance of an emergency order pursuant to this section.

     History: (1) thru (3)En. Sec. 12, Ch. 313, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 21, Ch. 349, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 140, L. 1977; Sec. 69-3915, R.C.M. 1947; (4)En. Sec. 14, Ch. 313, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 140, L. 1977; Sec. 69-3917, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 69-3915, 69-3917(2).