85-2-363. Process for combining decisions on ground water permit applications in closed basins. - Montana Statutes

     85-2-363. Process for combining decisions on ground water permit applications in closed basins. (1) An applicant for a permit to appropriate ground water in a closed basin shall submit to the department a combined application consisting of a hydrogeologic assessment with an analysis of net depletion, a mitigation plan or aquifer recharge plan if required, an application for a beneficial water use permit or permits, and an application for a change in appropriation right or rights if necessary.
     (2) The department shall review the application to determine if it is correct and complete under the process and requirements of 85-2-302.
     (3) (a) Once an application has been determined to be correct and complete, the department shall prepare a notice and publish it as provided under 85-2-307.
     (b) If no valid objection to the application is filed and the applicant proves that the criteria of 85-2-311 or 85-2-402, if necessary, have been satisfied, the application must be granted or approved in a modified form or upon terms, conditions, or limitations specified by the department.
     (c) If no valid objection to the application is filed and the applicant has not proved that the criteria of 85-2-311 or 85-2-402, if necessary, have been satisfied, the application must be denied.
     (d) If a valid objection to the application is filed, the department shall proceed to process the application pursuant to 85-2-308 through 85-2-311. If the applicant satisfies the criteria of 85-2-311 or 85-2-402, if necessary, and proves by a preponderance of the evidence that net depletion, if any, will not adversely affect a prior appropriator based on the applicant's mitigation plan or aquifer recharge plan, the department shall issue the permit.

     History: En. Sec. 17, Ch. 391, L. 2007.