Air Quality | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | Comment Period Ends October 2, 2026 | Public Hearing September 29, 2026
In response to legislative direction codified at 75-2-234, MCA, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing to adopt a new crematorium registration program under ARM Title 17, chapter 8. DEQ’s intent is to establish a streamlined regulatory framework for human and animal crematoriums in lieu of the existing requirement to obtain a Montana Air Quality Permit under the Montana Clean Air Act, Title 75, chapter 2, MCA.
Pursuant to 75-2-103(12), MCA, human and animal crematoriums constitute an incinerator. According to the requirements of 75-2-215(1), MCA, all incinerators proposing to operate in Montana require a Montana air quality permit or registration prior to construction, installation, alteration or use, regardless of potential to emit. Human and animal crematoriums represent a class of regulated emitting units with similar, low levels of regulated pollutant emissions and generally require the same or nearly the same emission controls. Therefore, by adopting the proposed crematorium registration program, DEQ will modernize regulation of cremation units, provide clear compliance expectations, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, and better align state requirements with legislative direction.
Hearing:
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11:00 am at 2401 Colonial Drive, in the Wilderness Room Zoom Link
- Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
- https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/89926883465?pwd=cgydgBdupbLANwAbf6BVDe43ASyL73.1
- Passcode:867626
Associated Materials:
Comment Period Ends:
- October 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM
Send/Submit Comments To:
- DEQ Legal Unit
2401 Colonial Dr
Helena MT 59602
(406) 444-1388
Accommodation statement
The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public participation process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than 5:00 P.M. September 22, 2026, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-1388 or e-mail DEQMAR2026-78@mt.gov
Tags: Public Comment, Air, Public Meeting and Rule Making