Advisory Councils & Work Groups
DEQ works closely with many stakeholders including the regulated community, non-governmental organizations, local governments, the EPA and other federal agencies, and interested members of the public. We value the feedback stakeholders provide to us throughout our decision-making processes.
This page provides more information about the various committees and advisory councils associated with DEQ's water programs. Some of these groups are established in Montana statute while others are created by DEQ to address unique issues or projects. A couple of the councils have members appointed by the Governor to serve in an official advisory capacity. Each group is described in more detail below. Click a link below to jump to a specific section of the page.
DEQ Working Groups and Committees
DEQ Working Groups and Committees
The groups in below comprise members that are selected by DEQ for a variety of issue- or project-related purposes that are described in the overview of each group. If you would like to be involved in any of the groups, please reach out to the staff contact for more information.
Nutrient Work Group
The Nutrient Work Group is an advisory work group, convened by the Department of Environmental Quality, representing publicly owned and privately owned point sources of pollution, nonpoint sources of pollution, and other interested parties that will advise the Department on the implementation of nutrient water quality standard together with associated economic impacts. Please review the Nutrient Work Group Charter for additional information.
Staff Contact: Kyle Milke (406) 444-6491
| Type | Date | Time | Location | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Work Group | November 14, 2023 | 9 - 11 a.m. | DEQ Room 45 and via Zoom | Agenda |
Thank you for your interest in the nutrient standards process. The 2021 Legislature passed, and Governor Gianforte signed into law, Senate Bill 358. The new law requires DEQ to adopt rules to implement its narrative nutrient standards and provides a transition from Montana's existing numeric nutrient standards and variance approach to a new narrative standards approach.
During this process, DEQ will work with the Nutrient Work Group, which includes the EPA and representatives from various interest groups (see "Nutrient Work Group Members" below). The timeline for creating an initial framework rule package for the new narrative implementation is March 2022. The timeline for a full, comprehensive rule package is summer 2022.
DEQ will assist permittees in understanding the narrative nutrient standards and will develop guidance documents to help with the transition.
While the process involves the Nutrient Work Group, DEQ values public engagement. Listening sessions will be held a few times throughout the process to answer questions and listen to comments from the public. To submit a question, please fill out the form below. Questions will be addressed at the next listening session. If questions are submitted after planned listening sessions, DEQ will respond directly to your question via email.
| Type | Date | Time | Location | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Work Group | November 14, 2023 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | DEQ Room 45 and via Zoom | Agenda |
| Nutrient Work Group Member Name, Affiliation, Telephone |
Technical Representative Name, Affiliation, Telephone |
Representing |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Engels City of Billings |
Dave Clark HDR |
Point Source Discharger: Large Municipal Systems (greater than 1 MGD) |
| Shannon Holmes City of Livingston |
Scott Buecker (406) 570-5184 AE2S |
Point Source Discharger: Mid-Sized Mechanical Systems (1 MGD or less) |
| Rika Lashley (406) 495-3448 Morrison-Maeirle |
None Specified | Point Source Discharger: Small Municipal Systems with Lagoons |
| Alan Olson Montana Petroleum Association |
Shane Lacasse CHS, Inc. |
Point Source Discharger: Non-POTW |
| Kelly Lynch (406) 442-8768 Montana League of Cities and Towns |
Amanda McInnis Consultant for Montana League of Cities and Towns |
Municipalities |
| Matt Vincent (406) 565-0234 Montana Mining Association |
Matt Wolfe Sibanyne-Stillwater |
Mining |
| Karli Johnson (406) 868-1233 |
None Specified | Farming-Oriented Agriculture |
| Ellie Brighton (406) 442-3420 Montana Stockgrowers Association |
None Specified | Livestock-Oriented Agriculture |
| Guy Alsentzer (406) 570-2202 Upper Missouri Waterkeeper |
Sarah Zuzulock (406) 539-0645 Zuzulock Environmental Services |
Environmental Advocacy Organization |
| Kristin Gardner (406) 993-2519 Gallatin River Task Force |
None Specified | Conservation Organization: Local |
| Sarah Zuzulock (406) 539-0645 Zuzulock Environmental Services |
None Specified | Conservation Organization: Regional |
| David Brooks (406) 543-0054 Montana Trout Unlimited |
Sarah Zuzulock (406) 539-0645 Zuzulock Environmental Services |
Conservation Organization: Statewide |
| Pete Cardinal Pete Cardinal Outfitters |
None Specified | Water or Fishing-Based Recreation |
| Andy Efta (406) 329-3447 U.S. Forest Service |
None Specified | Federal Land Management Agencies |
| Tina Laidlaw (406) 457-5016 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Erik Makus U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Federal Regulatory Agencies |
| Jeff Schmalenberg (406) 542-4322 Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation |
None Specified | State Land Management Agencies |
| Nick Banish Gallatin Local Water Quality District |
None Specified | County Water Quality Districts or Planning Departments |
| Dan Rostad Yellowstone River Conservation District Council |
None Specified | Soil and Water Conservation Districts – East of the Continental Divide |
| Samantha Tappenbeck (406) 752-4220 Flathead Conservation District |
None Specified | Soil and Water Conservation Districts – West of the Continental Divide |
| Scott Buecker (406) 570-5184 AE2S |
Coralynn Revis HDR |
Wastewater Engineering Firms |
| Julia Altemus 241-7047 Montana Wood Products Association |
None Specified | Timber Industry |
Member Resources
- Technical reports related to the numeric nutrient standards can be found under the "Supporting Technical Documents" section of the Water Quality Standards page
- Numeric water quality standards can be found within DEQ Circulars on this page
- EPA’s National Study of Nutrient Removal and Secondary Technologies
- EPA’s National Study of Nutrient Removal and Secondary Technologies – Montana Fact Sheet
Pre-2020 Meeting Materials and Summaries
| 2019 |
|---|
| 2017 |
| 2016 |
| 2013 |
| 2012 |
| 2011 |
| 2010 |
| 2009 |
Nutrient Work Group SB367 Sub-Committee
| 2011 |
|---|
Subdivision Advisory Task Force
Staff Contact: Shawn Rowland (406) 444-6727
The proposed second phase of the subdivision rule update was published in Issue 16 (Pages 786-805) of the Montana Administrative Register on August 25, 2023. A copy of Issue 16 can be found at a link below.
This phase incorporates changes adopted by the seven subdivision bills from the 2023 Legislative Session and include the following:
- HB364: Independent reviewers
- HB592: Cut and fill systems
- SB215: Connection to Public Sewer Systems
- SB237: City Development Plans
- SB240: Subdivisions exempt from MEPA
- SB285: Aggregation exemption, storm water exception, previously approved facilities
- SB327: Source-specific well isolation zones and well envelope
The rule update also has two clean up provisions; one tidying up the Elevated Sand Mound key depth separation to limiting layers throughout our rules and circulars and the second updating the Municipal Facilities Exclusion as required by the 2019 Legislature.
Associated Materials:
Public comment on the second phase will be accepted through September 22, 2023, and a public hearing will be held on September 18, 2023 at 10:00 in Room 111 of the Metcalf Building. The proposed second phase rule updates can also be found on our website at the link below.
Along with the second phase of the rule updates, a subcommittee of the Subdivision Advisory Task Force (SATF) has been meeting to work on updates to Circular DEQ 8 Montana Standards for Subdivision Storm Water Drainage. The findings of the subcommittee were presented to the SATF on August 10, 2023.
Following the second phase rule update, updates to Circular DEQ 8 will be the next in line to go through the public comment process and adoption.
If you would like to provide comments regarding the second phase of the rule rewrites or any other issue related to the rule updates, please email them to deqsubdivruleupdate@mt.gov.
Once determined, the date of the next SATF meeting will be posted below under the NEXT MEETING TAB.
Thank you for your interest in this process. We are interested in your feedback!
| TYPE | DATE | AGENDA | RECORDINGS & MATERIALS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | August 10, 2023 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | May 31, 2023 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | November 30, 2022 | Agenda |
|
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | December 8, 2021 | Agenda |
|
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | January 30, 2020 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | August 29, 2019 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | May 29, 2019 | Agenda |
|
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | January 29, 2019 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | October 15, 2018 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | July 31, 2018 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | April 2, 2018 | Agenda | |
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | January 29, 2018 | Agenda |
2021-22 SATF member contact list (.pdf)
Archive:
March 2019 SDAC Contact List (.pdf)
| Type | Date | Time | Location | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Advisory Task Force | August 10, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Metcalf Building, Room 246, and via Zoom | Agenda |
Statewide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Advisory Group (STAG)
The Statewide TMDL Advisory Group (STAG) is authorized under section 75-5-702(9) of the Montana Water Quality Act. The STAG serves in an advisory capacity to the Department on topics such as TMDL development priorities, water quality assessment methods, water quality data management, and TMDL implementation monitoring. The fourteen member group represents a broad base of water related interest groups in Montana. The groups represented are livestock-oriented agriculture, farming-oriented agriculture, conservation or environmental interest, water-based recreationists, the forestry industry, municipalities, point source dischargers, mining, federal land management agencies, state trust land management agencies, supervisors of soil and water conservation districts for counties both west and east of the continental divide, the hydroelectric industry, and fishing related businesses.
The Department selects members of the advisory group by soliciting nominations from each interest group. The nominees must agree on a single nominee, which is then appointed to the STAG by the DEQ Director. STAG members serve a term limit of two years, but there are no limits on the number of terms a member may serve if they are renominated by their interest group at the end of their term.
Staff Contact: Christina Staten (406) 444-2836
| Name & Affiliation | Representing | Term End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rachel Cone Montana Farm Bureau |
Farming-Oriented Agriculture | January 31, 2024 |
| Jay Bodner Montana Stock Growers Association |
Livestock-Oriented Agriculture | January 31, 2023 |
| Vacant | Conservation or Environmental Interest | |
| David Brooks Montana Trout Unlimited |
Water-Based Recreation | January 31, 2023 |
| Brian Sugden Sugden Forest Environmental |
Forest Industry | January 31, 2023 |
| Ryan Leland City of Helena |
Municipalities | January 31, 2023 |
| Brian Heaston City of Bozeman |
Point Source Dischargers | January 31, 2023 |
| Greg Bryce Hydrometrics |
Mining | January 31, 2023 |
| Alden Shallcross Bureau of Land Management |
Federal Land Management Agencies | January 31, 2023 |
| Jeff Schmalenberg Department of Natural Resources & Conservation |
State Trust Land Management Agencies | January 31, 2024 |
| Jeff Pattison Valley Conservation District |
Conservation District Supervisor - East | January 31, 2023 |
| Vacant | Conservation District Supervisor - West | |
| Jordan Tollefson Northwestern Energy |
Hydroelectric Industry | January 31, 2023 |
| Vacant | Fishing-Related Business |
November 30, 2022
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
DEQ Room 111 and via Zoom Webinar
Agenda with Zoom Meeting links will be provided in November
| Meeting Date | Meeting Summary |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2021 | |
| February 16, 2021 | |
| November 2, 2020 | |
| January 3, 2019 | |
| February 24, 2014 | |
| November 15, 2013 | |
| September 9, 2013 |
•Project Effectiveness 2003-2008 Map •Draft Numeric Standards: Use for Assessments & TMDL Development |
| September 14, 2011 | |
| January 21, 2011 | |
| December 18, 2009 | |
| January 25, 200 | |
| April 20, 2006 | |
| April 18, 2005 | |
| October 5, 2004 | |
| June 8, 2004 | |
| September 16, 2003 | |
| March 20, 2002 | |
| June 20, 2001 | |
| February 18, 2000 |
Governor-Appointed Councils
The Governor appoints members to the following councils to serve as official environmental advisory boards. These councils are established in Title 2, part 15, chapter 21 of the Montana Code Annotated, as described in the text below.
Water Pollution Control Advisory Council (WPCAC)
The Water Pollution Control Advisory Council represents a diverse array of Montana interests and plays an important role in formulating Montana's water quality policy. Council members are appointed by the Governor and serve in an advisory capacity to the Department by furnishing advice, gathering information, and making recommendations. The Council also reviews and advises the Department on draft administrative rules prior to their consideration by the Board of Environmental Review. WPCAC is authorized under section 2-15-2107 of the Montana Code Annotated.
Staff Contact: Meagan Gilmore (406) 755-8981 or Meagan.Gilmore@mt.gov
| Date | Time | Location | Agenda | Meeting Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 13, 2023 | 1:30 PM | Room 111 in DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Agenda |
Ground Water Discharge Rulemaking Materials |
| Date | Time | Location | Minutes | Agenda | Presentations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Draft Minutes | Agenda | |
| July 14, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda |
|
| May 19, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| March 17, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| January 27, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda |
Flathead County Regional Septage Treatment & Biosolids Composting Facility |
| December 2, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda |
|
| September 23, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| July 15, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| June 24, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda for June 24 Special Meeting | |
| June 22, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. | Zoom | Agenda for June 22 NWG meeting with WPCAC joint discussion | Presentation | |
| June 16, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. | DEQ Room 40 and via Zoom | Webinar Recording | Agenda for Informational Webinar on Variances | |
| June 3, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom | Agenda for June 3 Special Meeting | Presentation | |
| May 13, 2022 | 10:00 am | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda |
WPCAC Narrative Nutrient Standards Transition Estimating Attenuation of Nutrients from Septic Systems & Nutrient Trading (DEQ-13) |
| March 11, 2022 | 10:00 am | Room 111 at DEQ Metcalf Building & Zoom (link in agenda) | Final Minutes | Agenda |
Implementation of Narrative WQ Standards Lead Regulations That Affect Montana's Drinking Water |
| January 28, 2022 | 10:00 am | via Telephone, Zoom | Final Minutes |
Agenda |
|
| November 19, 2021 | 10:00 am | via Telephone, Zoom and Metcalf Room 239/240 | Final Minutes | Agenda | •Framework Draft Rules •Permitting Storm Water in Montana |
| September 10, 2021 | 10:00 am | via Telephone & Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda |
|
| November 23, 2020 | 10:00 am | via Telephone & Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| November 6, 2020 | 10:00 am | via Telephone & Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| September 11, 2020 | 10:00 am | via Telephone & Zoom | Final Minutes | Agenda |
•Notice to Hold Virtual Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment & Adoption (WQ) •Establishing Selenium Standards for Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River the Protects Aquatic Life |
| July 10, 2020 | 10:00 am | via Telephone | Final Minutes | Agenda |
•Public Notice MTG770000 Disinfected Water and Hydrostatic Testing |
| January 10, 2020 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 | Final Minutes | Agenda |
•Arsenic Standards for Parts of Yellowstone •Draft Rule New Rule 1. Natural and Nonanthropogenic Water Quality Standards •Power Point Regarding New Draft Rule 1 |
| November 8, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 | Final Minutes | Agenda |
•Demonstration of Nonanthropogenic Arsenic Levels •Draft Rule New Rule 1.Natural and Nonanthropogenic Water Quality Standards |
| September 6, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 111 | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| July 26, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 & Teleconference Call | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| July 12, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 & Teleconference Call | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| May 3, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 | Final Minutes | Agenda | |
| January 11, 2019 | 10:00 am | Metcalf Building, Room 40 | Final Minutes | Agenda |
Council Members (serve at the pleasure of the Governor)
| Name/Address | Telephone Number Area Code 406 |
Representing |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Pummill |
406-756-4848 | Engineer with Sanitary Engineering Experience |
| Jeffrey Mark |
406-363-9232 | Supervisor of a Soil and Water Conservation District |
| Chad Bauer |
406-532-5120 | Representative of industry concerned with the disposal of organic waste |
| Ronald Pifer |
406-396-8806 | Fisheries Biologist |
| Teri Polumsky |
406-546-5802 | Realtor or Developer Representative |
| Lee Bruner |
406-490-4887 | Irrigated Agriculture Representative |
| Shannon Holmes |
406-222-5667 | Public Works Director |
| Eric Campbell |
406-579-9096 | Representative of industry concerned with the disposal of inorganic waste |
| Amanda Knuteson |
406-581-7717 | Member of the public |
| Dennis Teske |
406-749-9118 | Production Agriculture Representative |
| Mike Koopal |
406-212-0065 | Representative of a conservation organization |
Water Pollution Control Advisory Council consists of eleven members who are appointed by the Governor. WPCAC members are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while in the performance of council duties. Please visit the state employee travel page for current reimbursement rates, per diem, mileage, and forms.
Water and Wastewater Operators' Advisory Council
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Libby Murray Henrikson | Operator Certification Supervisor |
| Vacant | Operator Certification Technician |
| Jen VandenBos | Operator Certification Technician |
| Name | Position/Representing |
|---|---|
| Vacant | Representative of a municipality who employs a certified operator as city manager, engineer, etc. |
| Ronald Edwards | Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator holding the highest class certification |
| Nick Clos | Wastewater Operator |
| Greg Olsen | PWS Bureau Chief - DEQ Representative |
| Andrew Loudermilk | Water Treatment Plant Operator |
| Craig Woolard | Faculty of a university or college whose major field is related to water supply systems, etc. |
| Logan McInnis | Water Treatment Plan Operator, with highest class certification |