Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 32 - LIVESTOCK
Chapter 32.2 - OVERALL DEPARTMENT RULES
Subchapter 32.2.2 - Montana Environmental Policy Act
Rule 32.2.226 - PUBLIC REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) The level of analysis in an EA will vary with the complexity and seriousness of environmental issues associated with a proposed action. The level of public interest will also vary. The agency is responsible for adjusting public review to match these factors.
(2) An EA is a public document and may be inspected upon request. Any person may obtain a copy of an EA by making a request to the agency. If the document is out-of-print, a copying charge may be levied.
(3) The agency is responsible for providing additional opportunities for public review consistent with the seriousness and complexity of the environmental issues associated with a proposed action and the level of public interest. Methods of accomplishing public review include:
(4) For an action with limited environmental impact and little public interest, no further public review may be warranted. However, where an action is one that normally requires an EIS, but effects that otherwise might be deemed significant are mitigated in the project proposal or by controls imposed by the agency, public involvement must include the opportunity for public comment, a public meeting or hearing, and adequate notice. The agency is responsible for determining appropriate methods to ensure adequate public review on a case by case basis.
(5) The agency shall maintain a log of all EAs completed by the agency and shall submit a list of any new EAs completed to the office of the governor and the EQC on a quarterly basis. In addition, the agency shall submit a copy of each completed EA to the EQC.
(6) The agency shall consider the substantive comments received in response to an EA and proceed in accordance with one of the following steps, as appropriate:
Sec. 2-4-201 MCA; IMP, Sec. 2-4-201, 75-1-201 MCA;