The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction and operation of subsurface wastewater treatment systems (SWTS), aka septic systems. The department is currently accepting public comment on the proposed EA until May 1.
Domestic wastewater is a major and growing source of pollution in Montana. As residential development expands, the cumulative impacts of many individual septic systems degrade water quality, harm fisheries, and threaten public health and drinking water supplies. DEQ’s proposed Draft EA, however, proposes streamlining permitting for most domestic wastewater discharged to groundwater, instead of using strong science to condition individual permit applications to protect water resources.
Join Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Clark Fork Coalition, and MEIC for a webinar covering the key issues and how the public can speak up for protections for Montana’s waterways before the comment deadline.
Hear from:
- Bill Kleindl, PhD, Assistant Research Professor of Aquatic System Ecology and Ecosystem Function & Services at Montana State University and Professional Wetland Scientist
- Graham Coppes, Ferguson & Coppes PLLC
- Guy Alsentzer, Executive Director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/k4Eo4IumRkuH6Rsdowguog
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84765911018?pwd=imVhytIRvHxjrFF4DkTCCvusKRTtzX.1
Meeting ID: 847 6591 1018
Passcode: 119184
Monday, April 27 | 12pm – 12:45pm | Online
