MT HB534

Eligible county water and/or sewer districts may connect to water or wastewater systems beyond their rated capacity if authorized by a Department of Environmental Quality-approved development plan, extending authority previously limited to municipalities.

Eligible districts must be incorporated under 7-13-2203, operate in compliance with discharge permitting requirements under Title 75, chapters 5 and 6, and employ or retain a professional engineer.

Development plans must demonstrate that additional connections will not exceed approved rated capacity, create public health or environmental risks, violate water quality rules, or exceed water right limits.

Districts with approved development plans must submit annual compliance reports to the department, and the department may revoke or modify plans if conditions change or requirements are violated.

Subdivisions using development plan capacity must complete water and sewer improvements and obtain department certification before final plat approval.