deq.mt.gov

Governor's Energy Task Force Concluding Open House Series in Colstrip

Montana DEQ announces Governor Gianforte's Energy Task Force will conclude its series of public open houses with an event in Colstrip on April 15, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Business Innovation Center. The open house offers attendees a chance to talk directly with task force members and state agency staff to ask questions and provide feedback on energy topics. The task force was established by executive order in September 2025 and will submit recommendations to the Governor in September 2026 and January 2027.

Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Subsurface Wastewater Treatment Systems

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality released a draft programmatic environmental assessment for subsurface wastewater treatment systems. The assessment covers conventional septic systems to advanced treatment systems meeting drinking water standards. Qualifying systems must have fewer than 300 drainfields and disturb fewer than 10 acres. Public comments are due May 1, 2026.

Draft Environmental Assessment for Yellowstone County Junk Vehicle Facility

The Montana DEQ published a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed junk vehicle county graveyard (JVCG) in Yellowstone County, Montana. The facility would be located at 3324 E. King Ave., Billings, on approximately 3 acres of county-owned land. DEQ is accepting public comments through May 1, 2026, before making a final licensing decision.

Proposed Bridger Pipeline - 647-Mile Crude Oil Project Scoping Meetings

The Bureau of Land Management and Montana DEQ announced public scoping meetings for the proposed Bridger Pipeline, a 647-mile crude oil pipeline project transporting 550,000 barrels daily from Phillips County, Montana to Guernsey, Wyoming. Written comments will be accepted at in-person and virtual meetings scheduled April 14-16, 2026.

DEQ Seeks Comment on Draft EA for Sentinel Metals Exploration Project

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for an exploration project proposed by Sentinel Metals near Lincoln. The draft EA details potential environmental impacts and DEQ's determination on their significance.

Governor's Energy Task Force Hosts Miles City Open House

Montana's Governor's Energy Task Force is hosting a public open house in Miles City on March 24, 2026, to gather feedback on energy issues. The task force is charged with providing recommendations to the Governor on increasing affordable and reliable energy options for the state.

Montana DEQ Draft Dryland Opencut Environmental Assessment for Comment

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has released a draft programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) for Dryland Opencut Mining Permit Applications. The DEQ is accepting public comments on this draft EA until March 23, 2026.

DEQ Seeks Comment on Butte Exploration Project EA

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for an exploration project proposed by SBM Montana LLC near Butte and Walkerville. The comment period closes on March 2, 2026.