85-2-360. Ground water appropriation right in closed basins. - Montana Statutes

     85-2-360. Ground water appropriation right in closed basins. (1) An application for a ground water appropriation right in a basin closed pursuant to 85-2-330, 85-2-336, 85-2-341, 85-2-343, or 85-2-344 or administratively closed pursuant to 85-2-319 must be accompanied by a hydrogeologic assessment that has been conducted pursuant to 85-2-361 to predict whether the proposed appropriation right will result in a net depletion of surface water and must be accompanied by a plan as provided in 85-2-362, if necessary.
     (2) If the hydrogeologic assessment conducted pursuant to 85-2-361 predicts that the proposed appropriation right will not result in a net depletion of surface water, the department shall proceed under the criteria provided in 85-2-311.
     (3) (a) If the hydrogeologic assessment predicts that the proposed appropriation right will result in a net depletion of surface water, the applicant shall analyze whether the net depletion results in an adverse effect on a prior appropriator. If the applicant provides a correct and complete application, the department shall proceed to process the application as provided in 85-2-363.
     (b) If the applicant has used the water for the purpose of conducting the hydrogeologic assessment, the applicant shall terminate the use of the water. Failure to terminate use of the water must result in a fine of not more than $1,000 for each day of the violation.
     (4) If the hydrogeologic assessment predicts that there will be net depletion as provided in subsection (3)(a), the department may proceed to process the application pursuant to 85-2-363 if, in addition to other applicable criteria, the applicant complies with 85-2-362.
     (5) For the purposes of 85-2-360 through 85-2-362, the prediction of net depletion does not mean that an adverse effect on a prior appropriator will occur or if an adverse effect does occur that the entire amount of net depletion is the cause of the adverse effect. A determination of whether or not there is an adverse effect on a prior appropriator as the result of a new appropriation right is a determination that must be made by the department based on the amount, location, and duration of the amount of net depletion that causes the adverse effect relative to the historic beneficial use of the appropriation right that may be adversely affected.
     (6) The priority date for an appropriation right that is granted to an entity whose permit application was returned after April 11, 2006, and before May 3, 2007, because of the department's interpretation of a court decision is the date of the initial application to the department.

     History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 391, L. 2007.