80-15-212. Specific agricultural chemical ground water management plans. - Montana Statutes

     80-15-212. Specific agricultural chemical ground water management plans. (1) Except as provided in 80-15-216, the department shall develop and implement agricultural chemical ground water management plans specific to particular agricultural chemicals and to a defined geographical area when the level of an agricultural chemical found in ground water is at 50% or greater of the standard or interim numerical standard at a point of standards application and is scientifically validated.
     (2) The department may develop and implement an agricultural chemical ground water management plan specific to particular agricultural chemicals and may consider but is not limited to considering the following elements when determining whether or not to develop and implement agricultural chemical ground water management plans:
     (a) a definite trend of increased presence of the agricultural chemical in ground water at a point of standards application is scientifically validated;
     (b) agricultural chemicals have been determined to have migrated in the ground water from the point of detection;
     (c) EPA proposes to suspend or cancel registration of an agricultural chemical, prohibits or restricts the chemical's sale or use in the state, or otherwise initiates action against a chemical because of ground water concerns, and EPA's action, restriction, or prohibition will be implemented unless the state develops an adequate management plan; or
     (d) agricultural chemicals that possess or are suspected of possessing properties that indicate potential to migrate to ground water are being applied on areas underlain by ground water that is vulnerable to impairment.
     (3) The department may initiate educational programs about agricultural chemical management to provide information and management techniques to protect ground water in an effort to preclude the need for development of specific agricultural chemical ground water management plans in the future.
     (4) A person using an agricultural chemical that is addressed by a specific agricultural chemical ground water management plan in the geographical region that is addressed by the plan shall comply with the plan. The department may specifically identify and designate persons who are under the plan and may inform any person about the plan.
     (5) The department shall prioritize preparation of specific agricultural chemical ground water management plans in consideration of the specific circumstances of each area and within available resources.

     History: En. Sec. 12(2) thru (4), Ch. 668, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 561, L. 2005.