Montana Department of Environmental Quality Proposes General Permit for Pesticide Applications
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced its intention to issue a General Permit for pesticide applications to or over state surface waters. This permit, under the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) and the Federal Clean Water Act, aims to regulate pesticide applications where unavoidable discharge into water bodies occurs. The permit is set for a five-year renewal cycle and applies statewide, excluding Indian Reservations. The DEQ has prepared a draft permit, fact sheet, and environmental assessment, which are available for public review. A public hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2026, to discuss the draft permit and gather public comments, which are invited until the same date.