Water Quality | Draft Nonpoint Source Management Plan | Public Comments Accepted Through February 9, 2026
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comments on the Draft Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan.
Public comments on the Draft Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan will be accepted through February 9, 2026. DEQ will use comments received to prepare the final documents for submittal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.
Nonpoint source pollution is the largest cause of water quality water impairment in Montana and is associated with land uses such as agriculture, forestry, urban and suburban development, and runoff from abandoned mine sites. Common pollutants include sediment, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), temperature, pesticides, pathogens, metals and salinity. These pollutants are primarily carried via surface runoff from rain or snowmelt and groundwater flows and can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for human recreation and consumption.
Nonpoint source pollution is controlled primarily through voluntary best practices and projects. DEQ implements the nonpoint source pollution program in Montana in partnership with local, state, federal and tribal partners. The draft plan reflects new initiatives and improvements to DEQ’s Nonpoint Source and Wetland activities.
Associated Materials:
Comment Period Open through February 9, 2026
Send Comments To:
DEQ Water Quality Division
Attention: Hannah Riedl
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620
Or electronically to: hannah.riedl@mt.gov
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. on [ten days before end of public comment period end], 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) 444-0549; e-mail hannah.riedl@mt.gov.
Tags: Public Comment and Water