DEQ to Conduct Additional Review of Comments, Pauses Rulemaking Process for Narrative Nutrient Water Quality Standards

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced last week that the agency is conducting additional review of comments provided by members of the public on narrative nutrient water quality standards and while doing so, will temporarily pause its rulemaking efforts.

“DEQ and the Nutrient Work Group have poured time and resources into getting this right,” said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. “After more than 40 meetings over a three-year period, DEQ decided to move the process forward to formal rulemaking. I said when we published the draft rules that we would continue listening an...