75-5-704. Watershed advisory groups. - Montana Statutes

     75-5-704. Watershed advisory groups. (1) In implementing the consultation requirements under 75-5-702(4) and 75-5-703(1) and (2), the department shall request the participation of representatives of the following interest groups to work in an advisory capacity with the local conservation districts and the department:
     (a) livestock-oriented agriculture;
     (b) farming-oriented agriculture;
     (c) conservation or environmental interests;
     (d) water-based recreationists;
     (e) the forestry industry;
     (f) municipalities;
     (g) affected or potentially affected point source dischargers;
     (h) mining;
     (i) existing local watershed groups;
     (j) federal land management agencies;
     (k) state trust land management agencies;
     (l) the tourism industry;
     (m) the hydroelectric industry, if applicable; and
     (n) fishing-related businesses.
     (2) In implementing the consultation requirements of 75-5-702 and 75-5-703, the department shall:
     (a) prior to consultation with the statewide TMDL advisory group pursuant to 75-5-702(7) and (8), schedule meetings with appropriate local conservation districts and the watershed advisory groups at a location within their affected geographic area to review and revise the list of water bodies provided for in 75-5-702; and
     (b) at a meeting held pursuant to subsection (2)(a), request whether there is new information that may affect the listing or priority ranking on water bodies within the affected area and solicit comments on revising the list.
     (3) Based upon the information provided pursuant to subsection (2)(b), the department shall revise the list according to 75-5-702.
     (4) Prior to and during the development of a TMDL within a particular watershed or basin, the department shall schedule a meeting or meetings with appropriate local conservation districts and watershed advisory groups at a location within the affected geographic area in order to solicit comments on developing the TMDL and information on sources that may be contributing to water quality impairment.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 541, L. 1997.