Program Overview
The Water Quality Planning Bureau is responsible for administering four vital functions related to the Clean Water Act.
Visit the Clean Water Act Information Center on the Resources page to find information about the quality of Montana's rivers, streams, and lakes in relation to Montana's water quality assessments. These assessments are based on available statewide water monitoring data and information. The Clean Water Act Information Center also provides access to Montana's Water Quality Reports and List of Impaired Surface Waters, as well as online search and mapping tools.
Clean Water Act Information Center
Standards
Water quality standards consist of several parts:
- Beneficial uses — Identify how people, aquatic communities, and wildlife use our waters
- Numeric standards — Amounts of specific pollutants allowed in a body of water and still protects it for the beneficial uses
- Narrative standards — Statements of unacceptable conditions in and on the water
- Nondegradation protections — Extra protection for high-quality or unique waters and existing uses
Together, the beneficial uses, numeric and narrative standards, and nondegration protections provide the framework for achieving Federal Clean Water Act and Montana Water Quality Act goals and protecting Montana water resources.
Monitoring & Assessment
DEQ’s Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Section assesses whether state waters meet water quality standards and support beneficial uses. Beneficial use assessment is one step in the water quality planning process; it requires monitoring and informs Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and water quality protection and restoration. Tracking changes in water quality may also be important to determine if conditions are improving or deteriorating over time. DEQ supports numerous professional and volunteer monitoring partnerships across Montana that align with our vision.
Watershed Protection
Watershed Protection section is responsible for administering the Nonpoint Source Program and TMDL program
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program identifies sources of pollution to streams, rivers, and lakes within Montana and determines how much pollution those waters can sustain and still fully support beneficial uses. Plans are then written that outline how to reduce pollution to those waters while offering ways to assist local communities with finding solutions to restore and maintain clean water.
Nonpoint Source Program
Nonpoint source pollution typically comes from diffuse sources, such as grazing, timber harvest, abandoned mine lands, irrigation, recreation, and septic systems. It includes a wide range of pollutants and conditions, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, sediment, loss of riparian habitat, streamflow alteration, and temperature changes. Montana’s goal is to provide a clean and healthy environment by protecting and restoring water quality from the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution. We believe this can best be achieved through voluntary implementation of land, soil, and water conservation practices.
Montana DEQ Nonpoint Source Project Viewer
INTERACTIVE MAP
Harmful Algal Blooms
Nonpoint source pollution can cause harmful effects such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are an overgrowth of cyanobacteria. Some types of cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals if toxins are contacted or ingested. HABs typically occur on lakes and reservoirs when water conditions (e.g., light, temperature, and nutrient levels) promote growth; typically, in summer and fall in Montana. If in doubt, stay out.
Montana Harmful Algal Bloom reporting application
Submit and Track HAB Reports
Wetlands
Wetlands are valuable for providing flood and erosion control, enhancing water quality, and providing wildlife and fish habitat. Wetlands continue to be impacted and lost as roads are expanded, land is developed, and due to cumulative impacts from numerous activities such as draining, changes in land management, and landowner preference for open water ponds. DEQ's Water Quality Planning Bureau is responsible for coordinating and providing leadership to wetland conservation activities statewide. These projects range from an Evaluation of Wetland Impacts in the State of Montana, to Developing Education and Information about Montana Wetlands, to a Local Partnership composed of local government, wetland ecologist, and community volunteers to inventory wetlands for restoration and management needs.
Contacts
Water Quality Planning Bureau Contacts
Bureau Chief
Galen Steffens (406) 444-2680
Program Support Specialist
Theresa Froehlich (406) 444-6764
Watershed Protection Section
Section Supervisor
Eric Trum (406) 444-0531
Watershed Management Section
Section Supervisor
Vacant
Monitoring and Assessment Section
Section Supervisor
Darrin Kron (406) 444-4765
Water Quality Standards Section
Section Supervisor
Myla Kelly (406) 444-3639
Submit Data
DEQ provides detailed guidance to organizations, individuals, and laboratories on how to submit ambient water quality data to DEQ. Montana uses a system called the Montana EquIS Water Quality Exchange (MT-eWQX) to store water quality monitoring data, including physical, chemical, biological and habitat data, from locations across the state. Once verified, these data are submitted to EPA's Water Quality Portal, where they are publicly available.
The steps below are provided to help organizations and volunteers submit their data through DEQ's data portal.
Step 1: Prepare Your EDD
Data must be submitted to MT-eWQX in a specific electronic format known as an Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD). Data providers are required to download the MT-eWQX EDD and populate it with the project data to be submitted. Detailed guidance for populating the MT-eWQX EDD can be found in the MT-eWQX Guidance Manual.
MT-eWQX EDD MT-eWQX Guidance Manual
Appendices:
Step 2: Validate Your EDD
After the MT-eWQX EDD is populated, all data must be validated using the EQuIS Data Processor (EDP). The EDP is a standalone application that allows data providers to check their EDD files prior to submission to ensure they are formatted correctly. The EDD must have a clean validation from the EDP prior to data submission to DEQ. Refer to the EDP Guidance Manual for detailed instructions.
EDP Guidance Manual Download EDP
Step 3: Submit Your EDD
In order to submit an EDD, the following are required:
- Completed MT-eWQX Data Submittal Form
- Final MT-eWQX EDD
- Associated project QAPP and/or SAPs and any other attached documents referenced in the EDD
Information about all the above requirements can be found within the MT-eWQX Guidance Manual.
If you need assistance during the EDD submittal process, contact Deanna Tarum or Jolene McQuillan.
Additional Information
The following field forms are provided by DEQ to assist with project data management:
- Site Visit Form
- Lake Site Visit Form
- Groundwater Site Visit Form
- River Site Visit Form
- Data Logger Form
- National WQX Organizations
Subscribe for Important Updates
Receive important updates about MT-eWQX, including when updated reference value lists are posted, anticipated outages for maintenance, or training opportunities.
Subscribe: MT-eWQX ListServInformation for Laboratories
This link is provided to assist laboratories in producing a MT-eWQX compatible EDD. The requirements provided in this document are specific for laboratories and should not be used by data providers submitting data to DEQ.
NOTE: Labs are required to report both the Method Detection Limit (MDL) and Lower Reporting Limit (LRL) for each result. The MDL value as defined by EPA (40 CFR Appendix B to Part 136) is required. The LRL shall be the value the lab defines as the lower limit of quantitation.
The following templates are provided by DEQ to assist labs in producing a MT-eWQX compatible EDD:
- Blank MT-eWQX EDD Template
- MT-eWQX EDD with Example Chemistry Data
- MT-eWQX EDD with Example Biology Data
Need Help?
If you need assistance during the EDD submittal process, contact Deanna Tarum.
Standards
Why Water Quality Standards
- Protect water resources for uses such as fishing, swimming and other recreation, and sustaining fish, bugs, plants, and other aquatic life
- Are a measure to identify polluted waters or healthy waters in need of protection
- Guide the limits set on what regulated facilities can discharge to surface water
The federal Clean Water Act requires states to designate beneficial uses for all waters and develop water quality standards to protect each use.
States either develop their own criteria or implement federal criteria for evaluating water quality. These criteria must accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge. They are based solely on data and scientific judgments about pollutant concentrations and their effects on the environment, aquatic life, and human health. Montana water quality criteria include both numeric and narrative criteria. Water quality criteria for each use class are detailed in the Montana Code Annotated. Additionally, a detailed map of Montana's use classes can be found HERE. (Please note that this map is data intensive, for mobile user or slow internet connections a pdf map is provided HERE) (Note: Montana does not designate use classes for Tribal Nations). Additionally, a map detailing Montana’s Outstanding Resource Waters can be found HERE.
Numeric Criteria
Most of Montana’s water quality criteria are numeric; that is, the criteria define precise, measurable concentrations of pollutants that if exceeded would harm the use. Montana’s numeric water quality criteria are published in Circular DEQ-7 and Circular DEQ-12A.
Montana also has Nutrient Standards Variances which are published in Circular DEQ-12B.
Narrative Criteria
Some pollutants have narrative water quality criteria, which are statements (instead of specific quantities) that describe the desired water quality condition in terms of allowable ranges and maximums (e.g., water pH and temperature) or in terms of specific variation from natural conditions (e.g., water turbidity and color). Each use class defined in the rule has narrative criteria, and some narratives define an allowable change from naturally-occurring conditions. Naturally-occurring conditions are determined by reviewing historical data for a waterbody, if available, or by comparing conditions with a reference waterbody, an unaltered or otherwise in its most natural condition.
Montana’s water quality standards and details of how water quality standards are implemented in point-source discharge permitting are contained in Montana Administrative Rules. All current state water rules and Montana water quality standards are available on the Water Quality Regulations and Forms page.
Nondegradation
Nondegradation protections maintain high quality waters from deterioration. Montana’s Nondegradation policy provides three levels of protection for surface waters:
- Existing uses of the water body must be maintained and protected.
- High water quality (water quality better than the applicable water quality standard) must be maintained unless a lowering of water quality is necessary to accommodate important economic and social development.
- Exceptional characteristics of specific waters designated as outstanding, very sensitive, or unique resources -- called outstanding resource value water -- must be maintained and protected.
For more information: Montana Code Annotated (MCA 75-5) Water Quality Classification & Standards
Supporting Technical Documents
Nonanthropogenic Standards
- Demonstration of Nonanthropogenic Arsenic Levels
- Derivation of Nonanthropogenic Arsenic Standards
- Addendum to Derivation of Nonanthropogenic Arsenic Standards
Nonanthropogenic Standards - External Entity Guidance
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed guidance for cases where an entity external to the DEQ is interested in pursuing a modification to an existing water quality standard because the existing standard may be more stringent than the nonanthropogenic condition, as provided for in 75-5-222(1), MCA. A draft version of this guidance was presented to the Nonanthropogenic Standards Workgroup on May 8, 2020 for comment. The final version and the material presented at the May 8th Workgroup meeting are provided below:
Nutrient Standard Documents
Criteria Technical Reports - Large Rivers
- Using a Computer Water Quality Model to Derive Numeric Nutrient Criteria: Lower Yellowstone River (2013)
- Using a Computer Water Quality Model to Derive Numeric Nutrient Criteria: Lower Yellowstone River - Appendix C
- Results from the Deployment of Nutrient-diffusing Substrates in the Upper Missouri River - A project in support of the development of numeric nutrient standards for the upper Missouri River using a computer water-quality model (2014)
Criteria Technical Reports - Wadeable Streams
- Whole-stream Nitrogen and Phosphorus Addition Study (2016)
- Scientific and Technical Basis of the Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Montana's Wadeable Streams and Rivers - Update 1 (2013)
- Scientific and Technical Basis of the Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Montana's Wadeable Streams and Rivers (2008)
- Peer Review Memorandum of 2008 document
- Updated Statistical Analyses of Water Quality Data, Compliance Tools, and Change Point Assessment for Montana Rivers and Streams (2008)
- Seasonally Stratified Water Quality Analysis for Montana Rivers and Streams – Final Report (2005)
- Reference Study Report (2005)
- Nutrient and algal biomass criteria recommendations for Northeastern Montana (2004)
Economic Consideration Reports
- Supplemental Economic Analysis of Meeting Base Numeric Nutrient Standards (2017)
- Demonstration of Substantial and Widespread Economic Impacts to Montana that would Result if Base Numeric Nutrient Standards had to be Met by Entities in the Private Sector in 2011/2012 (2012)
- Demonstration of Substantial and Widespread Economic Impacts to Montana That Would Result if Base Numeric Nutrient Standards had to be Met in 2011/2012 (2012)
- Scoping Evaluation of Economic Impact Assessment Methodologies for Water Quality Standards (2007)
- Wastewater Treatment Performance and Cost Data to Support an Affordability Analysis for Water Quality Standards (2006)
Site-Specific Water Column Selenium Standard for Lake Koocanusa
- Water Pollution Advisory Council Meeting Materials (Sep 11, 2020)
- Board of Environmental Review Meeting Materials (Sep 24, 2020)
- Technical Support Document for the Derivation of a Site-Specific Water Column Standard for Lake Koocanusa, MT
- Errata Sheet for Technical Support Document for the Derivation of a Site-Specific Water Column Standard for Lake Koocanusa, MT
Triennial Review
The Federal Clean Water Act requires that states review their water quality standards every three years and solicit input on the need for revising or adding to state standards. The review helps set priorities and a work plan for water quality standards development and telemarketing. On February 12, 2020, Montana opened water quality standards for public review and comment, this open comment period will end on June 10, 2020. You are invited to submit data, views, or arguments concerning water quality standards either orally or in writing at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to: William Howard George, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; telephone (406) 444-6491; or email: William.George@mt.gov; no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2020. Or submit your comments online here http://comment.cwaic.mt.gov/commentpage.aspx?cmntkey=0fJNS65qh7. Additionally, on June 10, 2020, the Board of Environmental Review will hold a public hearing. Due to the guidance issued by the Governor of the State of Montana on March 26, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 public health situation, the public hearing will be held virtually via the Zoom meeting platform and will be recorded. Persons wishing to attend the public hearing need to register in advance with Zoom. Registration with Zoom may be made at the following link: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/9886583910?pwd=c0tUMm5Nd2F2OHhoWlJwd1loRnIyQT09. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Scherer, Paralegal, at (406) 444-2630 or sscherer@mt.gov.
- Triennial Review Public Hearing Announcement
- Montana’s numeric water quality criteria are published in Circular DEQ-7.
- 17.30: Water Quality - Administrative Rules of Montana
Site-Specific Selenium Standards
Background: On December 11, 2020 the Board of Environmental Review (board), voted to adopt the Department of Environmental Quality’s (department) proposed selenium water quality standard for Lake Koocanusa into state law and determined the proposed standard was no more stringent than federal guidelines. Therefore, there was no requirement for the completion of written findings as described in MCA 75-5-203. The multi-part standard includes fish tissue and water column components with the following numeric values: 15.1 mg/kg dry weight (dw) egg/ovary, 11.3 mg/kg dw muscle, 8.5 mg/kg dw whole body, and 0.8 μg/L total dissolved selenium in Lake Koocanusa and 3.1 μg/L in the Kootenai River mainstem. See ARM 17.30.632. The frequency and duration of the fish tissue standards are instantaneous measurements, not to be exceeded. The water column standard is computed as a 30-day average and shall not be exceeded more than once in three years, on average.
The standards were adopted into state law on December 25, 2020 and codified in ARM 17.30.632. The water quality standards were approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 25, 2021. Two petitions were filed to the board calling for a review of the stringency determination for the site-specific water column standard for Lake Koocanusa in ARM 17.30.632(7)(a). On February 25, 2022 the board reversed its previous stringency determination and determined that the site-specific water column standard for Lake Koocanusa is more stringent than comparable federal guidelines. The department will, therefore, comply with MCA 75-5-203 by making the written findings set forth in 75-5-203(2), MCA. The draft written findings are located below:
Associated Materials:
Opportunity to Comment: On April 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., the department will hold a public hearing in Room 111 of the Metcalf Building, 1520 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider comments on the draft written findings. The department is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and promoting the health and wellness of others. Members of the public may participate either in-person or virtually. For in-person meetings, while face masks are not required, meeting attendees are welcome to wear masks. If you are not feeling well, please do not attend the in-person meeting. Information on how to attend the hearing remotely via Zoom is provided in the Open Public Comment link above.
You are invited to submit data, views, or arguments, either orally or in writing, at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to Catherine Armstrong, Paralegal, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; faxed to (406) 444-4386; or e mailed to Catherine.Armstrong2@mt.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 4, 2022. To be guaranteed consideration, mailed comments must be postmarked on or before that date.
Items related to 2020 rulemaking
- Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River Se EPA Action Letter
- Water Pollution Advisory Council Meeting Materials (Sep 11, 2020)
- Board of Environmental Review Meeting Materials (Sep 24, 2020)
- Lake Koocanusa & Kootenai River Public Info Session, September 18, 2020
- MAR Notice No. 17-414
- Technical Support Document for the Derivation of a Site-Specific Water Column Selenium Standard for Lake Koocanusa, MT
- Errata Sheet for Technical Support Document for the Derivation of a Site-Specific Water Column Selenium Standard for Lake Koocanusa, MT
- Information on Public Comment and Public Hearing
- Board of Environmental Review Meeting Materials including DEQ presentation (Dec 11, 2021)
- Board of Environmental Review Rulemaking Record
Copies of any of these documents may also be obtained by contacting Lauren Sweeney at (406) 444-5226 or lauren.sweeney@mt.gov
The Department of Environmental Quality continues to work with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (BC-ENV) and the Lake Koocanusa Monitoring and Research Working Group (LKMRWG). The LKMRWG is a bi-national, multi-stakeholder work group comprised of three committees; Steering Committee, Monitoring and Research Committee (MRC), and the Selenium Technical Subcommittee (SeTSC). The department and BC-ENV co-manage a wiki website for items related to the LKRMWG including; meeting agendas, meeting summaries, data, literature, technical reports, sampling and analysis plans, and more. Lake Koocanusa Wiki Site
Framework Rulemaking for Senate Bill 358 (75-5-321, MCA)
Rulemaking Background: In 2021 the 67th Montana Legislature enacted Senate Bill 358 (codified at 75-5-321, MCA). Senate Bill 358 requires the department to adopt rules related to narrative nutrient standards in consultation with the advisory nutrient work group. Nutrients, in this context, refer to total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations in state surface waters. The rules are required to provide for the development of an adaptive management program which allows for an incremental watershed approach for protecting and maintaining water quality. The department convened the nutrient work group in May 2021 and held meetings approximately bimonthly through the end of October 2021 to adopt a comprehensive rule package related to narrative nutrient standards. Despite a concerted effort by the department and the nutrient work group to develop a comprehensive rule package, there remains a substantial amount of work needed for the department to fully address the concerns of multiple parties. Rather than immediately move forward with a comprehensive rule package, the department has opted to adopt New Rule I, which establishes the basic elements of an adaptive management program per Senate Bill 358. Proposed New Rule I provides a framework for the department to follow as it continues to meet and consult with the nutrient work group and work toward completion of the comprehensive rule package, to be adopted later in 2022.
Opportunity to Comment: On February 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., the department will hold a public hearing in Room 111 of the Metcalf Building, 1520 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed amendments and adoption of the New Rule I. The department is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and promoting the health and wellness of others. Members of the public may participate either in-person or virtually. For in-person meetings, while face masks are not required, meeting attendees are welcome to wear masks. If you are not feeling well, please do not attend the in-person meeting. Information on how to attend the hearing remotely via Zoom is provided in the link to MAR Notice No. 17-420 provided below:
Additional information about the rulemaking can also be obtained by contacting Michael Suplee, PhD at msuplee@mt.gov
Water Quality Standards and Modeling Section Supervisor
Myla Kelly (406) 444-3639
Water Quality Science Specialist
Rosie Sada De Suplee (406) 444-5964
Water Quality Science Specialist
Lauren Sweeney (406) 444-5226
Water Quality Science Specialist
Mike Suplee (406) 444-0831
Water Quality Modeler
Eric Regensburger (405) 444-6714
Database Analyst
Jane Madison (406) 444-3409
Monitoring & Assessment
DEQ monitors chemical, physical, and biological properties of our state’s rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. High quality data is necessary to support decision-making. DEQ monitors water quality to:
- Educate people about water quality;
- Inform watershed restoration and protection plans;
- Track trends in water quality;
- Investigate water quality problems, threats, and improvements;
- Assess whether waters meet water quality standards and support beneficial uses;
- Evaluate sources of pollution;
- Support studies that determine total maximum daily load (TMDL) development;
- Establish baseline conditions;
- Develop water quality standards.
Across Montana, trained volunteers monitor water quality in our rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Volunteer monitoring is a fun and effective tool to educate people about protecting water quality and to engage communities in pollution prevention and restoration. Volunteer monitoring programs are administered by watershed groups, conservation districts, water quality protection districts, non-profit organizations, schools, and other entities. DEQ also provides volunteer monitoring opportunities.
Each volunteer monitoring program is driven by a unique set of monitoring objectives. Volunteers may collect chemical, physical, or biological parameters to evaluate water quality, aquatic habitat, and streamflow. Whether they collect high-quality data for decision-making, or monitor solely for educational purposes, DEQ values the contribution of volunteer monitoring programs.
DEQ’s Volunteer Monitoring Support Program supports volunteer monitoring in several ways:
- Financial support, such as our Volunteer Monitoring Lab Analysis Program;
- Technical support, such as trainings and guidance documents;
- Administering volunteer monitoring opportunities; and
- Forming partnerships with other entities in the state that also support volunteer monitoring.
Volunteer Monitoring Lab Analysis Support Program
Each year, DEQ seeks applications for up to $5,000 from volunteer monitoring programs seeking financial assistance with laboratory sample analysis and shipping costs associated with water quality monitoring projects. Applicants are required to submit an application, a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), and an analytical budget which matches their funding request. This program is for laboratory analysis and sample shipping costs only and does not include funding for Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) development, travel, monitoring time, purchasing and maintaining field equipment, or other operational costs. All data that is collected using these funds must be uploaded by the awardee to DEQ’s water quality database (MT-eWQX).
- 2022 Application (due by 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2022)
- 2022 Monitoring Lab Analysis Parameter Suite and Price List
- Budget Table Template
- Volunteer Monitoring Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) Template
- Project ID and Station ID Overview Guidance Document
- Submit Water Quality Data
Volunteer Monitoring Guidance & Resources
Monitoring Planning
- Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) template
- Monitoring Methods Selection Guide
- Volunteer Monitoring Planning Catalogue
- Montana Watershed Coordination Council Monitoring Resource Library and Program Search
Equipment
- To inquire about equipment available for loan, contact DEQ’s Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment program (406-444-3507) or MSU Extension Water Quality program (406-994-7381)
Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Data Management
Volunteer Monitoring Support Partners
Beneficial use assessment of Montana's rivers, streams, and lakes is tied to goals of the federal Clean Water Act and the Montana Water Quality Act which require states to:
- Assign designated uses to waters and develop water quality standards to protect those uses;
- Monitor and assess water quality;
- List impaired waters that do not meet standards;
- Identify pollutant sources and set pollutant-reduction goals needed to achieve standards.
DEQ uses available data to assess water quality based on established water quality standards and reports on the status and trends of water quality every two years in Montana’s Water Quality Report and List of Impaired Surface Waters.
What are Beneficial Uses?
Under the Clean Water Act, all surface waters are designated with specific beneficial uses that they should be capable of supporting. Beneficial uses are the various ways a waterbody can be used, including:
- Drinking, culinary and food processing;
- Bathing, swimming and recreation;
- Growth and propagation of salmonid or non-salmonid fishes and associated aquatic life, waterfowl, and furbearers;
- Agricultural water supply;
- Industrial water supply.
What are Water Quality Standards?
Water quality standards specify maximum allowable levels of alteration during use of state waters (Mohr, 2012). Water quality standards are established to protect designated beneficial uses; the standards describe the desired condition of a waterbody and are the benchmarks to aim for in protecting and maintaining water quality.
Water quality standards consist of designated uses, criteria to protect designated uses, and nondegradation requirements to protect existing uses and high-quality waters. Water quality criteria can be numeric (e.g., the maximum pollutant concentration allowed in a waterbody) or narrative (e.g., a criteria that describes the desired conditions of a water body being “free from” certain negative conditions, or “no increases are allowed above naturally occurring concentrations”).
What are Impaired Waters?
DEQ monitors and assesses state waters to identify waterbodies or waterbody segments, also known as assessment units, that are threatened or impaired (MCA 75-5-702). A waterbody is considered “impaired” if it fails to meet one or more water quality standard. Impaired waters do not fully support all their designated beneficial uses. Montana’s Water Quality Integrated Report contains the list of impaired waters. Impaired waters remain on the list until there is sufficient credible data to remove them, and causes of impairment carry over from each biennial reporting cycle until they are removed.
What is the 303(d) List?
Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act requires each state to develop a list of waters that do not meet water quality standards. The 303(d) list is a subset of Montana’s impaired waters list; waterbodies on the 303(d) list have at least one impairment caused by a pollutant for which a TMDL needs to be developed, and they are not expected to meet water quality standards even after technology-based controls for point sources or other control requirements such as Best Management Practices (BMPs) for nonpoint sources. States are required to submit their 303(d) lists to EPA every other year.
What is a Pollutant?
Pollution is the man-made or human-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological integrity of water that has a harmful effect on any living thing that drinks or uses or lives in it. Pollution may be from a point source, a single identifiable source from which pollutants are discharged such as a pipe. Pollution may also be from nonpoint sources which are typically diffuse and include all forms of pollution not regulated by a discharge permit under the Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
Pollutants are a category of pollution. A pollutant is any substance that is introduced into a water resource, naturally or by human activities, that adversely affects the water quality for a specific use. Pollutant causes of impairment include heavy metals, sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, E. coli, salinity, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and many others. For each waterbody-pollutant combination that appears on the 303(d) list, a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study must be developed to identify the maximum amount of a pollutant a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. Non-pollutant causes of impairment for which TMDLs are not needed include habitat alterations, flow alterations, etc.
How Do We Assess Beneficial Use Support?
The goal of beneficial use assessment is to use the best available data and science to assess the condition of Montana’s surface waters and support water quality protection and improvement.
Assessment Priorities
DEQ progresses throughout the state to assess waterbodies or waterbody segments that haven’t been already or recently assessed. Often, DEQ assesses multiple waterbodies within a watershed following a watershed approach, and evaluates multiple types of pollution at once. Assessments are often completed in watersheds where Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have not already been completed
Assessments identify probable causes and sources of impairment and inform stakeholders interested in implementing activities to protect and improve water quality. Removal of impairments from the list of impaired waters is a common end goal of restoration and assessments can help track or confirm water quality improvements.
Data Collection and Call for Data
DEQ collects chemical, biological and physical parameters for waterbodies conforming to data quality requirements specified in DEQ’s beneficial use assessment methods. Monitoring for beneficial use assessment purposes aims to identify probable causes and sources of pollution. DEQ can only assess water quality and modify the list of impaired waters if there is sufficient credible data.
During beneficial use assessment, DEQ compiles and reviews all currently available data, including that obtained from federal, state, and local agencies, private entities, or individuals with an interest in water quality protection. Every two years, DEQ releases a “call for data” in which people are invited to submit data to DEQ for consideration during assessment.
Assessment Methods
DEQ evaluates data to ensure it meets data quality requirements specified in DEQ’s beneficial use assessment methods. DEQ then uses these same methods to analyze the data and decide whether a waterbody is impaired or not. Assessment methods are dynamic and change as new information and assessment techniques become available. Periodic updates aim to result in more accurate and reliable assessment decisions. Montana’s beneficial use assessment methods include:
- Beneficial Use Assessment (PDF)
- Nutrients for Wadeable Streams (PDF)
- Metals (PDF)
- Sediment in Mountainous Streams (PDF)
- E. coli (PDF)
- EC and SAR in Rosebud Cr, Tongue, Powder and Little Powder R., and Tongue Res. (PDF)
- Responses to public comment on EC/SAR Draft (PDF)
- Sulfate Guidance
- Nitrate Guidance (PDF)
- DEQ Monitoring Parameter Suite
- Montana Water Monitoring Program Search
- Monitoring Resource Library
- EPA Environmental Measurements and Modeling
- National Water Quality Monitoring Council
- National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI)
- USGS Water Data for Montana
- Fish, Wildlife & Parks Aquatic Invasive Species
- FishMT
- DNRC and MBMG Surface Water Assessment and Monitoring (SWAMP) Program
- Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology Ground Water Information Center (GWIC)
Contacts
Water Quality Planning Bureau
(406) 444-6697
Monitoring and Assessment Section Supervisor
Darrin Kron (406) 444-4765
Volunteer Monitoring
Abbie Ebert (406) 444-5390
Watershed Protection
Understanding the TMDL Development Process
The TMDL development process is a problem solving approach that results in a framework for water quality improvement. DEQ is responsible for completing Total Maximum Daily Load studies. In Montana, the geographic scale for this process includes the complete watershed area of contribution for a pollutant. A TMDL is developed for a single pollutant, such as a metal or sediment. A river, lake, or stream may have multiple pollutants, each with its own TMDL study.
The State of Montana develops reports that may contain multiple TMDLs at a watershed scale. During the TMDL process, waters may be found to be healthier than originally thought, or healthy because of recovery from past polluting practices. These waters are taken off the impaired waters (303(d) list) and do not have a TMDL completed for that pollutant.
Steps in the TMDL Development Process
Each TMDL study is somewhat different because impairments to natural systems of rivers, lakes, and streams vary. However, the process of diagnosis, setting amounts of pollutant reduction, and recommended strategies for repair is very similar.
What is the extent of the problem?
In order to fully evaluate the extent of the problem for each pollutant, a set of parameters to characterize water quality is first identified. Then more detailed information is gathered, focusing on these factors. In addition, numeric targets are developed for many of these parameters. These represent compliance with the applicable Water Quality Standard. The gathered information is compared to the targets to assess the severity of the problem.
Which human activities are contributing to the problem? How much is being contributed?
Human activities that contribute to pollutant loads are identified. The magnitude of contributions from source categories such as crop irrigation, septic systems, and wastewater treatment plants is quantified. As part of this effort, natural background pollutant loading is also quantified.
What is the acceptable total load of pollutants?
The maximum acceptable daily load is identified. Amounts of total pollutant loading above the total maximum daily load (TMDL) need to be reduced in order to solve the problem.
How can this problem be solved?
The amount of reduction needed from each source category is determined to satisfy the TMDL. These are called the allocations. Determining allocations includes social and economic considerations and an assessment of overall feasibility. The goal is to develop a fair and reasonable suite of achievable allocations.
The TMDL Report
The results of these steps are incorporated into a final TMDL report. This provides a planning framework for additional local water quality protection and restoration projects.
What to Expect from a Completed TMDL
A completed TMDL provides information on water quality problems and strategies to reduce pollutants by changing land and water management activities. Implementation to meet a TMDL is voluntary for most activities. A TMDL does not create new regulations, but may affect how existing regulations are implemented.
DEQ Role in TMDL Implementation
Montana DEQ does not implement TMDL pollutant reduction projects for most activities, but can provide technical and financial assistance for stakeholders interested in improving water quality in their areas. DEQ staff:
- Work with participants to use the TMDLs as a basis for developing locally-driven, comprehensive Watershed Restoration Plans.
- Administer funding specifically earmarked to help fund water quality improvement and pollution prevention projects, and can help identify other sources of funds.
Read Understanding the Montana TMDL Process to learn more.
TMDL Priority Areas
Within Montana, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies have been developed in more than 50 different project areas,* some representing successful completion of a 2011 amended judgment to a TMDL lawsuit originally filed in 1999. Yet there are many remaining areas that contain impaired waterbody - pollutant combinations that still require TMDL development, all of which are identified on the state's 303(d) list. To address the remaining development requirements, DEQ identifies TMDL development priority areas, discussed below. In watersheds with completed TMDLs, DEQ's nonpoint source program personnel provide support to help implement the TMDLs.
In prioritizing watersheds for TMDL development, DEQ, in consultation with the statewide TMDL advisory group, applies a process that identifies priority factors consistent with state law. The factors with most influence include those linked to the likelihood that local stakeholders will pursue TMDL implementation; the ability to improve coordination among water quality programs; and the recreational, economic and aesthetic importance of the waterbodies in a watershed. The resulting priority watersheds are where DEQ focuses resources toward monitoring and assessing water quality, and subsequently developing TMDLs.
The water quality planning process that includes TMDL development may take two to five years, or more, to complete. TMDL projects normally address multiple types of pollutant impairment causes, organized into pollutant groups. The most common pollutant groups in Montana are: sediment, nutrients, metals, temperature, pathogens, and salinity. Each pollutant group can have unique water quality standards, sources, assessment methods, sampling protocols, corrective measures, and impacts to beneficial uses.
Below is a list of the Montana DEQ Water Quality Planning/TMDL Priority Areas, along with some general project information and priority rationale. The scheduling approach is consistent with EPA's new 303(d) vision which requires states to identify their priority areas for TMDL completion by the end of the calendar year 2022. Note that DEQ may adjust TMDL development priorities based on new information and proposed activities throughout Montana.
Priority Areas Scheduled for Completion by End of calendar Year 2022
Number of TMDLs Planned
One
Salinity is the focus for TMDL development at this time.
Priority Rationale
Important irrigation resource with high level of stakeholder concern regarding ongoing and planned energy development projects.
Significant monitoring and other data analysis activities completed.
Additional Consideration
Salinity levels in tributaries (e.g., Otter Creek, Pumpkin Creek) are naturally elevated above existing numeric standards.
Project Website
Tongue Watershed TMDL Project Website
Priority Areas Scheduled for Completion after 2022
Number of TMDLs Planned
Currently 26
Nutrients are the focus of TMDL development
Priority Rationale
High level of local interest in implementation. (There are 38 completed TMDLs in this watershed. Completing the remaining TMDLs will facilitate a more holistic approach for local stakeholder watershed restoration planning.)
Ability to address large number of TMDLs within a reasonable timeframe to maintain a minimum TMDL development pace.
Important economic resource (fishing, ranching, tourism).
Project Website
Number of TMDLs Planned
One
Iron is the focus of TMDL development
Priority Rationale
Significant work has been completed toward TMDL development.
TMDL development was previously accelerated due to a pending new MPDES permit application; however, this application is no longer pending, and an accelerated timeline is no longer required.
Additional Consideration
Salinity is also identified as a cause of impairment on Otter Creek. Site specific salinity standards are under development for Otter Creek. These standards could negate salinity TMDL development requirements.
Project Website
Otter Creek TMDL Project Website
Number of TMDLs Planned
Two (Phase II of nutrient TMDLs).
Priority Rationale
Important economic resource (fishing, tourism).
Internal coordination between DEQ water quality programs; opportunity to address potential future growth concerns.
Previous commitment to complete Phase II work.
Significant Phase II TMDL support activities completed, including watershed modeling.
Additional Consideration
Numeric nutrient water quality standards work in progress for Flathead Lake. This could affect TMDL development.
Flathead Lake Project Websites
Flathead Lake Watershed TMDL Development Project Website
Flathead Nutrient Standards Development Project Website
- Currently 13 (may vary dependent upon monitoring and assessment results)
- Nutrients are the focus of TMDL development
Priority Rationale
- High level of local interest due to recurrence of algal blooms on the Smith River.
- Important economic resource (recreation, fishing, ranching, tourism).
Project Website
- Coming Soon
- Currently 23 (may vary dependent upon monitoring & assessment results).
- Nutrients and metals are the focus of TMDL development.
Priority Rationale
- Important economic resource (recreation, fishing, ranching, tourism).
- Internal coordination among DEQ water quality programs.
- Currently 35 (may vary dependent upon monitoring & assessment results).
- Pollutant groups include nutrients, metals, salinity and sediment.
Priority Rationale
- Significant number of permitted discharges; opportunity for increased coordination between DEQ surface discharge permitting program and TMDL development.
- Opportunity for increased coordination with local stakeholders working on water quality protection.
- Important resource water with increased population growth along the river corridor.
Additional Consideration
- Ongoing water quality standards projects involve site specific numeric nutrient standards development and evaluation of naturally high arsenic levels.
TMDL Documents
After TMDL documents are reviewed by stakeholders and the public, they are submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. Final, EPA approved documents are provided below.
Most of the TMDL documents contain a framework water quality improvement plan that can be used to guide development of local watershed restoration plans. Some documents also address non-pollutant causes of impairment with water quality restoration recommendations that include the same restoration activities needed to satisfy one or more TMDLs contained in the document.
Browse by Watershed
*TMDLs are specific to a waterbody segment - pollutant combination. Some project areas with completed TMDLs may still require TMDL development for additional waterbody-pollutant combinations. Priority areas are subject to change.
Click here for a more detailed PDF version of this map
Final TMDL Documents
Choose a river basin below to view a list of associated TMDL documents.
Click "Browse Alphabetically" below to view final TMDL documents listed alphabetically in smaller file sizes with appendices and attachments as separate files
Columbia
Bitterroot Watershed
- Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2014
- Bitterroot Temperature and Tributary Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, August 2011
- Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Bitterroot Headwaters TMDL Planning Area, October 2005
- Water Quality Restoration Plan and Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Upper Lolo Creek TMDL Planning Area, April 2003
- Upper Lolo Sediment TMDL Implementation Evaluation, May 2011
- Reimel Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, February 2016
- Bitterroot Headwaters TMDL Implementation Evaluation, January 2021
Blackfoot River Watershed
- Lower Blackfoot Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2013
- Lower Blackfoot Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2009
- Middle Blackfoot – Nevada Creek TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2008
- Middle Blackfoot – Nevada TMDL and Water Quality Improvement Plan Addendum, October 2014
- Blackfoot Headwaters Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Plan and TMDL for Sediment, April 2004
- Blackfoot Headwaters Planning Area Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Plan and TMDL Addendum for Sediment - Sandbar Creek, November 2014
- Water Quality Restoration Plan for Metals in the Blackfoot Headwaters TMDL Planning Area, June 2003
Bobtail Creek
Clark Fork River
Upper Clark Fork
- Silver Bow Creek and Clark Fork River Metals TMDLs, May 2014
- Upper Clark Fork Phase 2 Sediment and Nutrients TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, April 2014
- Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries Sediment, Metals, and Temperature TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration, March 2010
- Addendum to Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries Sediment, Metals, and Temperature TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration, April 2014
- Clark Fork River Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program, August 1998 (Tri-State Implementation Council)
Central Clark Fork
- Bonita-Superior Project
- Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries Nutrients, Sediment, & Temperature TMDLs
- Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2014
- Bonita Superior Metals TMDLs, May 2013
- Cramer Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, March 2019
Lower Clark Fork
Flathead River Basin
- Flathead-Stillwater Planning Area Nutrient, Sediment, and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2014
- Water Quality Protection Plan and TMDLs for the Swan Lake Watershed, June 2004
- Water Quality Assessment and TMDLs for the Flathead River Headwaters Planning Area, December 2004
- Nutrient Management Plan & TMDL for Flathead Lake, December 2001
- Big Creek Watershed Restoration Plan, March 2003
- Big Creek Sediment TMDL Implementation Evaluation, March 2011
- Swan Lake TMDL Implementation Evaluation, July 2017
Flint Creek Watershed
- Flint Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, December 2013
- Flint Creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, October 2012
- Addendum to Flint Creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, May 2015
Kootenai-Fisher
Little Blackfoot
Ninemile Creek
Prospect Creek
Rock Creek
St Regis
Swan Lake
- Swan Lake TMDL Implementation Evaluation, July 2017
Thompson River Watershed
Tobacco River Watershed
- Grave Creek Watershed Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Plan and Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads, March 2005
- Tobacco Planning Area Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2011
- Tobacco Planning Area Nutrient and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2014
Yaak
- Yaak River Watershed Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads, September 2008
- East Fork Yaak River Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Loads, July, 2014
Upper Missouri
Beaverhead River Watershed
- Beaverhead Watershed TMDLs
- Lower Beaverhead - Upper Jefferson Rivers Temperature TMDLs Watershed TMDLs
- Beaverhead Metals TMDLs, September 2020
- Lower Beaverhead and Upper Jefferson Temperature TMDLs, November 2014
- Beaverhead Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Protection Plan, July 2012
Big Hole River Watershed
Boulder-Elkhorn Project Area
Dearborn River
Deep Creek
- Development of a TMDL to Reduce Nonpoint Source Sediment Pollution in Deep Creek, Montana, March 1996
- Deep Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, November 2011
Gallatin River Watershed
Jefferson River Watershed
Lake Helena Watershed
- Lake Helena Planning Area Metals Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Addendum, September 2013
- Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area, Volume II, August 2006
- Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area Volume 1, December 2004
- Lake Helena Nutrients TMDL Implementation Evaluation, August 2018
Madison River Watershed
- Madison Watershed Stream Summaries 2020 (7.42 MB)
Missouri-Cascade-Belt
Red Rock
Ruby
Sheep Creek
- Sheep Creek E. coli TMDL and Water Quality Improvement Plan, September 2017
- Sheep Creek Aluminum TMDL, December, 2020
Sun
Lower Missouri
Big Sandy - Sage
- Big Sandy Creek Salinity TMDL and Water Quality Restoration Plan, January 2002
- Salinity TMDL for Sage Creek, Montana, January 2002
Big Springs
Careless Creek
- Water Quality Restoration Plan for Careless Creek, February 2001
Judith Mountains
- Big Spring Creek Watershed TMDL Implementation Evaluation, December, 2019
Landusky
Lone Tree Creek
- Lone Tree Creek TMDL Addressing Riparian Habitat Degradation, Flow Alteration & Nutrient Enrichment, February 2001
- Lone Tree Creek TMDL Implementation Evaluation, February 2016
Musselshell
- Lower Musselshell TMDL Planning Area Decision Document, February 2001
- Musselshell E. coli TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan, August 2021 (5.03 MB)
Redwater
Teton
Yellowstone
Big Creek
- Big Creek Flow Restoration Plan (TMDL), December 2000
Boulder - Big Timber
- Boulder River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads, September 2009
Cooke City
- Cooke City TMDL Implementation Evaluation, July 2011
Otter Creek
Shields
Tongue
Browse Alphabetically
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Beaverhead Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Protection Plan (3.6 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps and Tables (2.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.37 MB)
- Appendix C: 2010/2011 Sediment and Habitat Data Collection Methods and Data Summary – Beaverhead TPA (1.7 MB)
- Appendix D: Additional Sediment Relevant Data Collected in the Beaverhead TPA (0.60 MB)
- Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (0.55 MB)
- Appendix F: Upland Sediment Source Assessment (2.6 MB)
- Appendix G: Unpaved Road Assessment (3.5 MB)
- Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.33 MB)
- Attachment A: Beaverhead River Flushing Flow Study (4.5 MB)
- Attachment B: Memorandum to FWP from Applied Geomorphology in Regards to the Clark Canyon Creek Field Visit, September 13, 2011 (5.5 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Beaverhead Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Protection Plan (3.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Water Quality Data (0.3 MB)
- Appendix C: TMDL Examples and Calculations (.2 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Big Creek Watershed Restoration Plan (2.9 MB)
Water Quality Assessment and TMDLs for the Big Spring Planning Area (8.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Big Spring Creek Inventory and Assessment Data, Fergus County Conservation District, June 1990 (16.6 MB)
- Appendix B: Aerial Photography Assessment (Final) Big Spring Creek (0.18 MB)
- Appendix C: Aerial Photography Assessment (Final) Beaver Creek (0.17 MB)
- Appendix D: Aerial Photography Assessment (Final) Cottonwood Creek (0.18 MB)
- Appendix E: Modeling Approach (0.24 MB)
- Appendix F: Response to Public Comments (0.02 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Bitterroot Headwaters Planning Area (1.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Watershed Characterization Summary and Maps (5.8 MB)
- Appendix B: Mineral Operations (0.07 MB)
- Appendix C: Major Land Resource Areas (0.02 MB)
- Appendix D: GAP Vegetation (0.04 MB)
- Appendix E: Road Assessment Method (0.03 MB)
- Appendix F: BEHI Method (0.01 MB)
- Appendix G: Road Results and Maps (4.6 MB)
- Appendix H: Bank Condition Results and Maps (6.5 MB)
- Appendix I: Fish Population Data (0.02 MB)
- Appendix J: Shade Model Results (0.07 MB)
- Appendix K: Responses to Public Comments (0.08 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Maps and Figures (2.7 MB)
- Appendix B: Bitterroot River Watershed Description (0.47 MB)
- Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.39 MB)
- Appendix D: 2007 Sediment and Habitat Data Collection Methods and Data Summary (0.76 MB)
- Appendix E: 2007 Stream Bank Erosion Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
- Appendix F: Regional Reference and DEQ Summary Statistics Considered for Sediment Target Development (0.38 MB)
- Appendix G: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (3.2 MB)
- Appendix H: Sediment Load Estimates and BMP Scenario Reductions (0.51 MB)
- Appendix I: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.29)
- Attachment A: Bitterroot River FLIR Temperature Analysis Interpretive Report (1.6 MB)
- Attachment B: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in the Bitterroot River, Montana (2.5 MB)
- Attachment C: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in the Bitterroot River, Montana – Addendum A (.30 MB)
- Attachment D: Bitterroot River TMDL Planning Area Missoula MS4 Temperature and Thermal Loading Assessment (0.66 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Bitterroot Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Water Quality Improvement Plan (4.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Tables and Figures (4.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.29 MB)
- Appendix C: Metals Data (0.47 MB)
- Appendix D: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
- Attachment A: Modeling Water Temperature in Mill Creek (3.3 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Bonita-Superior Metals TMDLs (1.9 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (7.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Metals Data (0.18 MB)
- Appendix C: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or Other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.11 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Boulder-Elkhorn Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (5.0 MB)
- Appendix A: Watershed Description Maps (3.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Table of 2012 Impaired Waterbodies, Impaired Uses, and Impairment Status (0.16 MB)
- Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.21 MB)
- Appendix D: Surface Water and Sediment Chemistry Data (1.0 MB)
- Appendix E: Water Chemistry for Natural Background Sites (0.28 MB)
- Appendix F: Source Assessment and Target Departure Analysis (3.3 MB)
- Appendix G: Response to Public Comment (0.39 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Table of Impaired Waterbodies and Watershed Description Maps (1.8 MB)
- Appendix B: Boulder River Watershed Description (0.26 MB)
- Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.23 MB)
- Appendix D: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale For Sediment (0.23 MB)
- Appendix E: Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.16 MB)
- Appendix F: Daily Loads (0.18 MB)
- Attachment 1: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development within the Boulder Elkhorn TPA (5.8 MB)
- Attachment 2: Boulder Elkhorn Watershed Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (1.8 MB)
- Attachment 3: Stream Temperature Assessment for the Boulder River (1.5 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (9.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Status of waterbody impairments in the Central Clark Fork Basin Tributaries TMDL Project Area based on the 2014 Integrated Report (0.16 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.27 MB)
- Appendix C: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.29 MB)
- Appendix D: Nemote Creek QUAL2K Model Report (2.8 MB)
- Appendix E: Petty Creek QUAL2K Model Report (3.7 MB)
- Appendix F: Grant Creek QUAL2K Model Report (2.7 MB)
- Attachment A: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (3.7 MB)
- Attachment B: Assessment of Upland Sediment Sources for TMDL Development (2.5 MB)
- Attachment C: Road Sediment Assessment and Modeling (1.8 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Assessment and TMDLs for the Dearborn River Planning Area (9.1 MB)
- Appendix A (0.05 MB)
- Appendix B (8.5 MB)
- Appendix C (0.17 MB)
- Appendix D (2.9 MB)
- Appendix E (0.15 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Elk Creek Restoration Project Survey (0.27 MB)
- Green Mountain Watershed Project Implementation Plan (2.1 MB)
- Elk Creek TMDL Maps (3.6 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter (1.1 MB)
Nutrient Management Plan & TMDL for Flathead Lake, Montana DEQ (5.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Additional Figures (7.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Historical Perspective on Managed Forest Lands (0.14 MB)
- Appendix C: Current Flathead Lake Monitoring Program (0.33 MB)
- Appendix D: Responses to Public Comment (0.21 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Assessment and TMDLs for the Flathead River Headwaters Planning Area, Montana (6.8 MB)
- Appendix C: 2002 and 2003 Field Sampling Data (25.2 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.28 MB)
- Appendix B: Chemistry, Flow, Fish Distribution, and Permitted Point Sources Data (0.38 MB)
- Appendix C: Sheppard/Logan Road BMPs Since 2004 (2.9 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.20 MB)
- Appendix E: QUAL2K Stream Temperature Modeling for Ashley Creek and the Whitefish River (1.8 MB)
- Appendix F: Response to Public Comments (0.23 MB)
- Attachment A: Flathead Stillwater TMDL Planning Area Sediment and Habitat Assessment Summary Report (4.5 MB)
- Attachment B: Summary of Permitted Point Sources in the Flathead Lake Basin (5.4 MB)
- Attachment C: Summary of Urban Stormwater Sources in the Flathead Lake Basin (1.8 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Flint Creek Planning Area Sediment and Metals TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (10.5 MB)
- Appendix B: Data (0.66 MB)
- Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition (0.40 MB)
- Appendix D: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale (0.18 MB)
- Appendix E: Unpaved Road Assessment: Sediment Load Estimations and Potential Reductions (0.26 MB)
- Appendix F: Daily Loads (0.14 MB)
- Attachment A: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development Within The Flint Creek TPA (4.4 MB)
- Attachment B: Flint Creek Watershed Sediment Assessment: Upland Sediment Assessment and Modeling and BMP Effectiveness and Percent Reduction Potential (1.3 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Location of Mining-Related Features and Water Quality Sample Sites (0.53 MB)
- Appendix B: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or Other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.13 MB)
- Attachment A: Analytical Results Report for a CERCLA Site Inspection Philipsburg Mining Area (Douglas Creek) Near Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana (4.8 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Flint Nutrients TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Table of Impaired Waterbodies, Their Impaired Uses, and Impairment Status on the 2012 Water Quality Integrated Report (0.14 MB)
- Appendix B: Watershed Description Figures (8.5 MB)
- Appendix C: Fish Species, Surface Water Nutrients, Chlorophyll-a, Macroinvertebrates and Philipsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant Data (0.36 MB)
- Appendix D: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.19 MB)
- Appendix E: Flint Creek Watershed Nutrient Assessment (17.5 MB)
- Appendix F: Subsurface Wastewater Treatment Systems in the Flint Creek Watershed (0.34 MB)
- Appendix G: Flint Creek TMDL Planning Area Nutrient Source Review, Task 1: Discrete Source Characterization, Granite and Deerlodge Counties (1.6 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Harvest Analysis Summary (0.23 MB)
- Appendix B: Roads Analysis Summary (0.44 MB)
- Appendix C: Rain-On-Snow, Water Yield, Equivalent Clearcut Acreage and Peak Flow Increases Analysis Summary (0.08 MB)
- Appendix D: Fisheries and Aquatic Life (0.06 MB)
- Appendix E: Regulatory Framework and TMDL Development (0.10 MB)
- Appendix F: Summary of Data Collection and Assessment Methodologies (0.05 MB)
- Appendix G: Stream Conditions (0.36 MB)
- Appendix H: Reference Value Development for the Grave Creek Watershed (0.17 MB)
- Appendix I: Road Surface Sediment Analysis Methods and Results (0.08 MB)
- Appendix J: In-stream Sediment Source Analysis (0.20 MB)
- Appendix K: Response to Comments (0.16 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Judith Mountains Project Area TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Figures and Tables (5.1 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.29 MB)
- Appendix C: Chippewa Creek Sediment Assessment (2.8 MB)
- Appendix D: Judith Mountains Project Area Metals Source Assessment (0.18 MB)
- Appendix E: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.14 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Table of Waterbody Impairments and Project Area Description Maps (4.8 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.34 MB)
- Appendix C: Upland Erosion Sediment Assessment (3.5 MB)
- Appendix D: Road Sediment Assessment (4.4 MB)
- Appendix E: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.23 MB)
- Appendix F: Nutrient and Metals Water Quality Data for Impaired Streams in the Kootenai-Fisher TMDL Planning Area (0.55 MB)
- Appendix G: Wolf Creek QUAL2K Model Report (7.5 MB)
- Appendix H: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options for Mine Operations or Other Sources of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
- Appendix I: Response to Public Comments (0.55 MB)
- Attachment A: Kootenai-Fisher TMDL Project Area Sediment and Habitat Assessment (4.9 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area Volume 1 (1.9 MB)
- Appendix A: Watershed Characterization (5.2 MB)
- Appendix B: Montana Water Quality Standards (0.53 MB)
- Appendix C: Preliminary Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
- Appendix D: Nutrient Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
- Appendix E: GWLF/Bathtub Modeling for Lake Helena (0.41 MB)
- Appendix F: Sediment Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
- Appendix G: Metals Data for Impairment Status Determination (Available on Request)
- Appendix H: SSTEMP Model (0.31 MB)
- Appendix I: Fish Tissue Sampling (Available on Request)
- Appendix J: Major Land Resource Area Data Description (0.03 MB)
- Appendix K: Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium Data Description(Available on Request)
Water Quality Restoration Plan TMDLs for the Lake Helena Planning Area Volume II (2.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Summary (2.0 MB)
- Appendix B: DEQ and EPA Responses to Public Comments (0.22 MB)
- Appendix C: GWLF/BATHTUB Modeling Results (2.0 MB)
- Appendix D: Supplemental Sediment Source Assessment Results (1.1 MB)
- Appendix E: Permitted Point Source Discharges (1.1 MB)
- Appendix F: LSPC Metals Modeling Results (4.1 MB)
- Appendix G: SSTEMP Temperature Modeling Results (0.47 MB)
- Appendix H: Supplemental Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (0.12 MB)
- Appendix I: Phased Wasteload Allocation Strategy (0.08 MB)
- Appendix J: Wasteload Allocations for Regulated Stormwater Discharges (0.23 MB)
- Appendix K: On-Site Domestic Wastewater Treatment Requirements and Alternatives (0.12 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Landusky Metals Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.5 MB)
- Appendix A: TMDL Status Summary Table and Maps (3.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Surface Water Chemistry Data (3.4 MB)
- Appendix C: Surface Water Chemistry Data - Selected Background Sites (0.51 MB)
- Appendix D: Groundwater Chemistry Examples Zortman and Landusky Mines (0.38 MB)
- Appendix E: Landusky TMDL Planning Area Fish Distribution Report (0.25 MB)
- Appendix F: Target Departure Analysis (2.2 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Little Blackfoot River Watershed TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.8 MB)
- Appendix A: Figures and Tables (4.2 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.48 MB)
- Appendix C: 2009 Sediment and Habitat Assessment (2.2 MB)
- Appendix D: Little Blackfoot River Watershed Sediment and Nutrient Assessment (1.9 MB)
- Appendix E: Road Sediment Assessment (2.4 MB)
- Appendix F: Detailed Source Assessment and Data Review (0.44 MB)
- Appendix G: Metals and Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.69 MB)
- Appendix H: Response to Public Comments (0.31)
- EPA Approval Letter
Lone Tree Creek TMDL Addressing Riparian Habitat Degradation, Flow Alteration & Nutrient Enrichment (0.75 MB)
Lower Clark Fork Tributaries Sediment TMDLs and Framework for Water Quality Restoration (2.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (5.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Lower Clark Fork Tributaries TMDL Planning Area Sediment Monitoring Report (5.7 MB)
- Appendix C: Lower Clark Fork Tributaries Stratification Tables (0.32 MB)
- Appendix D: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale (0.43 MB)
- Appendix E: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.28 MB)
- Attachment 1: Road Sediment Assessment & Modeling (4.1 MB)
- Attachment 2: Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (1.9 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Lower Beaverhead River and Upper Jefferson River Temperature TMDLs (3.6 MB)
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.18 MB)
- Appendix B: Beaverhead River Temperature Model (1.5 MB)
- Appendix C: Upper Jefferson River Temperature Model (1.3 MB)
- Appendix D: Temperature and Flow Data (0.17 MB)
- Attachment A: Evaluation of Fishery Trends in the Jefferson River Drainage Related to Changes in Streamflow Pattern and Habitat Restoration Activities (2.3 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Lower Gallatin Planning Area TMDLs & Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (7.2 MB)
- Appendix A: Figures and Tables (8.4 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.28 MB)
- Appendix C: Road Sediment Assessment (1.0 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.19 MB)
- Appendix E: Hyalite Creek Nutrient Listing History and TMDL Development (0.24 MB)
- Appendix F: Nutrient Existing Load Source Assessment in the Lower Gallatin TMDL Planning Area (7.7 MB)
- Appendix G: Method Used to Model Water Reclamation Facility Discharge in the East Gallatin River (0.77 MB)
- Appendix H: Response to Public Comments (0.26 MB)
- Attachment A: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (3.5 MB)
- Attachment B: 2009 Lower Gallatin TMDL Planning Area Nutrient, Algae and E. Coli Source Assessment (34.8 MB)
- Attachment C: Upland Sediment Assessment (1.0 MB)
- Attachment D: City of Bozeman Hydrologic Model Report (3.6 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- EPA Approval Letter for pH Errata
Madison Sediment and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan – September 2020 (7.21 MB)
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach
- Appendix B: Sediment Data Collection Methods and Summaries of Monitored Waterbodies with No TMDL Written
- Appendix C: Bank Erosion Assessment, Madison TMDL Planning Area
- Appendix D: Road Sediment Assessment, Madison TMDL Planning Area
- Appendix E: Upland Sediment Assessment for Elk Creek
- Appendix F: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load Estimates
- Appendix G: Madison Temperature Study Data Collection
- Appendix H: Temperature Conditions for Lower Madison River and West Fork Madison River
- Appendix I: Shade Targets and Target Development Data for Temperature TMDLs in the Madison TMDL Planning Area
- Appendix J: Qual2k Temperature Analysis, Description, and Constraining Parameters
- EPA Approval Letter
Madison Watershed Stream Summaries 2020 (7.42 MB)
Madison Nutrient, E. coli, and Metal TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (7.2 MB)
- Appendix A: Surface Water Nutrient, E. coli, and Metal Data for the Madison TMDL Planning Area (.5 MB)
- Appendix B: Method for Estimating Attenuation of Nutrients from Septic Systems Model Results (MEANSS) for the Madison TMDL Planning Area (0.20 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Middle Blackfoot-Nevada Creek TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (6.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Figures and Maps (8.5 MB)
- Appendix B: Aerial Assessment and Reconnaissance Results (0.20 MB)
- Appendix C: Stream Bank Erosion Inventory (0.04 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment/Habitat Target Development (0.27 MB)
- Appendix E: Example of Daily Sediment TMDLs, Upper Nevada Creek (0.07 MB)
- Appendix F: Water Quality Analysis Results for Field Parameters and Trace Metals (0.41 MB)
- Appendix G: Representative Reference Shade Conditions and Daily Temperature Loading (0.55 MB)
- Appendix H: Restoration Plan (0.08 MB)
- Appendix I: Streamflow, Sediment, and Nutrient Simulation Using SWAT (0.43 MB)
- Appendix J: Sediment Loading Analysis (0.12 MB)
- Appendix K: Response to Public Comments (0.18 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Middle Blackfoot-Nevada TMDL and Water Quality Improvement Plan Addendum (3.0 MB)
- Appendix A: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.14 MB)
- Appendix B: Metals Data (0.38 MB)
- Attachment A: Temperature Analysis and Modeling of 303(d) List Streams in the Blackfoot River Watershed, Montana (3.3 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Middle and Lower Big Hole Planning Area TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.8 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (4.7 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.17 MB)
- Appendix C: Sediment Contribution from Roads (0.29 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (0.68 MB)
- Appendix E: Sediment Contribution from Streambank Erosion (0.24 MB)
- Appendix F: Daily TMDLs for Sediment and Temperature (0.21 MB)
- Appendix G: Nutrient Model (1.1 MB)
- Appendix H: Sediment/Metals Data (0.32 MB)
- Appendix I: Big Hole River Temperature Model (2.2 MB)
- Appendix J: Divide Creek Temperature Model (0.32 MB)
- Appendix K: Response to Public Comments (0.04 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Maps and Figures (3.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.09 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Restoration Plan and TMDLs for the Ninemile Planning Area (2.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Ninemile TMDL Fish Passage Assessment and Recommendations for Forest-Managed Lands (0.06 MB)
- Appendix B: Forest Road Sediment Assessment Method (FROSAM), Results and Maps (4.2 MB)
- Appendix C: DEQ Responses to Public Comments (0.11 MB)
- Maps (7.8 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.2 MB)
- Appendix B: Water Quality Data (1.11 MB)
- Appendix C: Metal TMDL Examples and Calculations (0.1 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Data Collection Methods and Summaries of Monitored Waterbodies with No TMDL Written (1.77 MB)
- Appendix E: Bank Erosion Assessment (1.45 MB)
- Appendix F: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (0.2 MB)
- Appendix G: Upland Sediment Assessment (1.45 MB)
- Appendix H: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load Estimates (0.6 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Redwater River Nutrient and Salinity TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.2 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps and Data (1.6 MB)
- Appendix B: Data Tables (1.6 MB)
- Appendix C: Reference Condition Approach (0.04 MB)
- Appendix D: Redwater Nutrient Modeling Report (0.33 MB)
- Appendix E: Nitrate Sensitivity Analysis (0.11 MB)
- Appendix F: Response to Public Comments (0.11 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Rock Creek Watershed TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plans (8.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (4.9 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.30 MB)
- Appendix C: Analysis of Base Parameter Data and Erosion Inventory Data for Sediment TMDL Development within the Rock TPA (3.4 MB)
- Appendix D: Rock TPA Biological Sampling 2011: Macroinvertebrate and Periphyton Results (1.7 MB)
- Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment – Rock Creek TPA (0.34 MB)
- Appendix F: Rock TPA Assessment of Upland Sediment Sources for TMDL Development (2.5 MB)
- Appendix G: Rock Creek TPA Road Sediment Assessment & Modeling (4.4 MB)
- Appendix H: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.16 MB)
- Appendix I: East Fork Rock Creek Temperature Modeling Report (5.1 MB)
- Appendix J: South Fork Antelope Creek Temperature Modeling Report (3.9 MB)
- Appendix K: Nutrient Water Quality Data (0.19 MB)
- Appendix L: Surface Water and Sediment Metals Data, Rock Creek TMDL Planning Area (0.25 MB)
- Appendix M: Source Assessment and Target Departure Analysis (4.0 MB)
- Appendix N: Cleanup/Restoration and Funding Options For Mine Operations Or Other Sources Of Metals Contamination (0.12 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Ruby River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Loads and Framework for a Water Quality Restoration Plan (6.9 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (11.2 MB)
- Appendix B: Reference Approach (0.07 MB)
- Appendix C: Temperature Model and Analysis of the Lower Ruby River and Mill Creek (0.21 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment and Physical Data (0.02 MB)
- Appendix E: Sediment Monitoring and Assessment (0.08 MB)
- Appendix F: Pictures (23.4 MB)
- Appendix G: Forward Looking Infrared Reports (1.9 MB)
- Appendix H: Upland Sediment Models (12.0 MB)
- Appendix I: Response to Public Comments (0.18 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Sheep Creek Aluminum TMDL (2.1 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (2.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Data (0.3 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter (.5 MB)
Shields River Watershed Water Quality Planning Framework and Sediment TMDLs (1.1 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (5.9 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.07 MB)
- Appendix C: Reference Value Development and Target Justification (0.05 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Contribution from Roads (0.68 MB)
- Appendix E: Sediment Contribution from Hillslope Erosion (0.15 MB)
- Appendix F: Sediment Contribution from Streambank Erosion (0.68 MB)
- Appendix G: Daily TMDLs (0.15 MB)
- Appendix H: Restoration Priorities for the Shields Valley Watershed Group (0.05 MB)
- Appendix I: Sediment and Habitat Assessment and Data (0.25 MB)
- Appendix J: Response to Public Comments (0.06 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Protection Plan and TMDLs for the Swan Lake Watershed (2.6 MB)
- Appendix A: Applicable Water Quality Standards (0.04 MB)
- Appendix B: Impairment Determination Listing Details for the 1996 and 2002 303(d) Lists (0.04 MB)
- Appendix C: Summary Ecological Classification Swan River Basin, Montana (2.5 MB)
- Appendix D: Mapping Chlorophyll Distribution Over Lakes of Northwest Montana (0.27 MB)
- Appendix E: Forest Road Sediment Assessment Methodology (0.10 MB)
- Appendix F: Forest Roads Sediment Results (9.1 MB)
- Appendix G: Swan Bank Inventory Results (0.80 MB)
- Appendix H: Local Stream Corridor Protective Regulations and Covenants (0.50 MB)
- Appendix I: Riparian Assessment & Characterization of the Swan River & Select Tributaries (0.21 MB)
- Appendix J: Tributary Physical Assessment for TMDL Development Support (0.24 MB)
- Appendix K: DEQ Response to Public Comment (0.13 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Water Quality Management Plan and TMDLs for the Teton River Watershed (5.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Thematic Maps of the Teton River Watershed (28.0 MB)
- Appendix B: Water Quality Data Maps (1.1 MB)
- Appendix C: Macroinvertebrate Results (0.04 MB)
- Appendix D: Selected Montana Water Laws and Administrative Rules (0.04 MB)
- Appendix E: Public Comments and Responses (0.24 MB)
- Appendix F: Press Releases During Public Comment Period (0.23 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Table of Waterbody Impairments and Project Area Description Maps (3.8 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition APproach (0.32 MB)
- Appendix C: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.28 MB)
- Appendix D: Nutrient and Metals Water Quality Data (0.34 MB)
- Attachment A: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (2.0 MB)
- Attachment B: Upland Erosion Assessment (1.3 MB)
- Attachment C: Unpaved Roads Assessment (1.6 MB)
- Attachment D: Modeling Water Temperature in Lynch Creek (2.5 MB)
- Attachment E: Modeling Water Temperature in McGregor Creek (5.7 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Tobacco Planning Area Nutrient and Temperature TMDLs and Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.8 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps and Tables (2.1 MB)
- Appendix B: QUAL2K Model Report (3.2 MB)
- Appendix C: Nutrient Data (0.12 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Tobacco Planning Area Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (2.8 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps and Tables (5.5 MB)
- Appendix B: Tobacco River Watershed Description (0.46 MB)
- Appendix C: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.38 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment and Habitat Assessment (2.9 MB)
- Appendix E: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (1.0 MB)
- Appendix F: Tobacco River Watershed Upland Sediment Source Assessment (1.7 MB)
- Appendix G: Road Sediment Assessment, Tobacco TMDL Planning Area (2.2 MB)
- Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.40 MB)
- Appendix I: Response to Public Comments (0.33 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Upper Clark Fork Phase 2 Sediment and Nutrients TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (11.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Figures and Tables (5.6 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.25 MB)
- Appendix C: 2011 Sediment and Habitat Assessment (0.60 MB)
- Appendix D: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.20 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Maps (15.8 MB)
- Appendix B: Reference Conditions and Target Value Rationale (0.04 MB)
- Appendix C: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.13 MB)
- Appendix D: Data (0.31 MB)
- Appendix E: Road Network Aerial Assessment Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (0.11 MB)
- Appendix F: Upland Sediment Model Scenario Development (0.03 MB)
- Appendix G: Stream Temperature Assessment for Peterson Creek Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (0.23 MB)
- Appendix H: Stream-Irrigation Network Relationship in the Upper Clark Fork TMDL Planning Area (1.6 MB)
- Appendix I: Sediment Loads and Reduction Determinations (0.08 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix J: Browns Gulch Sediment Assessment (0.39 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Upper Jefferson River Tributary Sediment TMDLs and Framework Water Quality Improvement Plan (1.5 MB)
- Appendix A: Watershed Characterization Report Jefferson River Water Quality Restoration Planning Areas (7.6 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.07 MB)
- Appendix C: 2004 Aerial Photo Review and Field Source Assessment, Upper Jefferson River Watershed (11.5 MB)
- Appendix D: Upland USLE Based Sediment Model, Sediment Contribution From Hillslope Erosion For Tributaries of the Upper Jefferson TMDL Planning Area (0.17 MB)
- Appendix E: USLE Generated Upland Erosion Corrected for Existing and Potential Riparian Health (0.13 MB)
- Appendix F: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment, Upper Jefferson River TMDL Planning Area (1.4 MB)
- Appendix G: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment, Upper Jefferson River Water Quality Restoration Planning Area (0.40 MB)
- Appendix H: Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.16 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
- Appendix A: Sediment Contribution From Hillslope Erosion (0.40 MB)
- Appendix B: Modeling Stream Temperatures in the Upper Big Hole River – 2003 (0.54 MB)
- Appendix C: Data Summary Appendix (0.38 MB)
- Appendix D: Modeling Streamflow and Water Temperature in The Big Hole River, Montana – 2006 (2.2 MB)
- Appendix E: Temperature Daily TMDLs and Instantaneous Loads (0.12 MB)
- Appendix F: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.13 MB)
- Appendix G: Sediment Contribution from Road Erosion (0.11 MB)
- Appendix H: Sediment Contribution from Streambank Erosion (0.27 MB)
- Appendix I: Big Hole River Watershed Nutrient TMDL GWLF Monitoring Documentation (1.1 MB)
- Appendix J: Streamside Vegetation Nutrient Filtering Function (0.03 MB)
- Appendix K: Upper and North Fork Big Hole River Planning Area TMDL Maps (3.5 MB)
- Appendix L: Response to Public Comments (0.07 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
West Fork Gallatin River Watershed TMDL and Framework Watershed Water Quality Improvement Plan (3.0 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps and Figures (3.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.17 MB)
- Appendix C: Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (0.05 MB)
- Appendix D: Streambank Erosion Source Assessment (0.38 MB)
- Appendix E: Hillslope Sediment Model and Riparian Health Addendum (0.72 MB)
- Appendix F: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (0.79 MB)
- Appendix G: 2008 Sediment and Habitat data collection Methods and Data Summary Upper Gallatin TMDL Planning Area (0.62 MB)
- Appendix H: Response to Public Comments (0.02 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
White Pine Creek Temperature TMDL (3.6 MB)
- Appendix A: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.17 MB)
- Appendix B: White Pine Creek QUAL2K Model Report (3.2 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Yaak River Watershed Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads (2.3 MB)
- Appendix A: Field Sediment Source Surveys (0.63 MB)
- Appendix B: Unpaved Road Sediment Assessment (0.65 MB)
- Appendix C: Daily Sediment TMDLs (0.10 MB)
- Appendix D: Maps (0.01 MB)
- Appendix E: Responses to Public Comments (0.09 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
East Fork Yaak River Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Loads (1.4 MB)
- Appendix A: Maps (4.3 MB)
- Appendix B: Regulatory Framework and Reference Condition Approach (0.24 MB)
- EPA Approval Letter
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Implementation Evaluations
DEQ is required to assess the waters for which TMDLs have been completed to determine whether compliance with water quality standards has been attained. This assessment will use the suite of objectives specified in the TMDL document to measure compliance with water quality standards and achievement of full support of all applicable beneficial uses.
The outline below describes the evolving framework and components for the DEQ TMDL Implementation Evaluation (TIE). The TIE should document progress made toward meeting: TMDL objectives, water quality standards, and beneficial uses in the impaired water bodies. Although these assessments will likely require different sets of data for evaluation, each may be evaluated as part of the evaluation. It is important to note that elements of the implementation strategy are largely voluntary in nature for nonpoint pollution sources. The purpose of the TIE is to:
- Recognize and document implementation of reasonable land, soil, and water conservation practices;
- Assist in determining the effectiveness of those practices on water quality improvement;
- Assess progress towards meeting water quality standards;
- Provide recommendations for changes in implementation activities, monitoring, or address changes in the watershed that are likely to impact water quality;
- Promote TMDL implementation and beneficial use support.
Contacts
Bureau Chief, Water Quality Planning Bureau
Galen Steffens (406) 444-2680
Section Supervisor
Andrew Ulven
Water Quality Specialist
Christy Meredith (406) 444-6824
Water Quality Specialist
Christina Staten (406) 444-2836
Water Quality Specialist
Lou Volpe (406) 444-6724
Montana DEQ encourages the development of locally-led Watershed Restoration Plans (WRPs) as a means of charting a path to improved water quality. All 319-funded projects must implement practices identified in a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan.
| WRP | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead | Beaverhead Watershed Committee | Accepted 2014, under revision, will include Red Rock |
| Bitterroot | Bitter Root Water Forum | Accepted 2020 |
| Blackfoot River | Blackfoot Challenge | Accepted 2014 |
| Central Clark Fork Tributaries | Under Development | |
| Clarks Fork Yellowstone | Under Development | |
| Clearwater | Clearwater Resource Council | Under Development |
| Deep Creek | Broadwater Conservation District | Accepted 2014 |
| Flathead Lake | Flathead Lakers | Accepted 2014 |
| Flathead Stillwater | Flathead Conservation District | Accepted 2017 |
| Flint Creek | Granite Headwaters Watershed Group | Accepted 2014 |
| Kootenai Basin | Kootenai River Network Inc | Accepted 2015 |
| Lake Helena | Lake Helena Watershed Group/Lewis & Clark Water Quality Protection District | Accepted 2016 |
| Little Blackfoot | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2016 |
| Lolo Creek | Lolo Watershed Group | Accepted 2013 |
| Lower Clark Fork | Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group | Accepted 2019 |
| Lower Gallatin | Greater Gallatin Watershed Council | Accepted 2014 |
| Lower Jefferson River | Trout Unlimited | Under Development |
| Madison River | Madison Conservation District | Under Development |
| Miller Creek | Missoula Valley Water Quality Protection District | Accepted 2018 |
| Middle and Lower Big Hole Watershed | Big Hole Watershed Committee | Accepted 2013, Under Revision |
| Middle Fork Judith | Trout Unlimited | Under Development |
| Ninemile Creek | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2013 |
| Rock Creek | Trout Unlimited | Accepted 2018 |
| Ruby | Ruby Watershed Group | Accepted 2015 |
| Shields River Watershed | Park Conservation District | Accepted 2012 |
| St. Regis | Trout Unlimited | Under Development |
| Sun River | Sun River Watershed Group | Accepted 2012, Under Revision |
| Swan Basin | Swan Ecosystem Center | Accepted 2012 |
| Teton River | Teton Watershed Group | Accepted 2010 |
| Thompson River | Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group | Accepted 2018 |
| Upper & North Fork Big Hole Watershed | Big Hole Watershed Committee | Accepted 2012 |
| Upper Clark Fork River Tributaries | Watershed Restoration Coalition | Accepted 2012 |
| Upper Gallatin River | Blue Water Task Force | Accepted 2012 |
| Upper Jefferson | Jefferson River Watershed Council | Under Development |
Nine Minimum Elements
Each Watershed Restoration Plan must address nine minimum elements.
- Identification of causes of impairment and sources of pollution.
- An estimate of the pollutant load reductions needed to achieve water quality standard
- A description of the nonpoint source management measures needed to achieve pollutant load reductions.
- An estimate of the technical and financial assistance needed to implement the management measures.
- An education and outreach component to encourage public participation in designing and implementing the management measures.
- A reasonable schedule for implementing the management measures.
- Milestones to gauge progress in implementing the management measures.
- Criteria for determining to what extent management measures are reducing pollutant loads and improving water quality over time.
- A monitoring plan for collecting the data necessary to evaluate improvements based on the criteria above.
Planning Tools and Guidance
The Environmental Protection Agency and other entities have developed tools to guide watershed restoration plan development.
Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (EPA)
An extensive guide to watershed restoration planning.
A QUICK GUIDE to Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (EPA)
The “Readers Digest Condensed Version” of the EPA Handbook.
EPA Region 5 Wetlands Supplement: Incorporating Wetlands into Watershed Planning (EPA)
Guide for incorporating wetlands protection/restoration into a WRP.
Watershed Restoration Planning in Montana: An Introductory Guide (DEQ, SWCDM, Madison CD)
A guide based on the experiences of Montana entities that have written WRPs.
Getting In Step: Outreach Series (EPA)
Website containing guidance for conducting watershed education and outreach.
Watershed Academy (EPA) Self-paced, online training modules and webcasts from national experts about a wide range of watershed management topics.
Clean Water Act Information Center [DEQ] ) DEQ website that provides access to the assessed and impaired waters lists, in searchable database and interactive map formats, as well as a large volume of other water-related information.
319 Project Funding
Through the 319 Project Program, DEQ provides approximately $1,000,000 each year to local watershed groups, conservation districts, educational institutions, and government entities to design and implement on-the-ground projects that reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution. Increasingly, DEQ is focusing funding on projects that will restore natural processes (e.g., stream channel migration, floodplain connectivity, native riparian revegetation) and are likely to result in measurable improvements in water quality.
Check out the Interactive Projects Map to find out what we’ve been funding.
Funding Description
Funding Source: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act.
Total Funding Available: Approximately $1,000,000 annually.
Individual Awards: Recommended: $10,000 to $250,000 per project.
Fiscal Year 2022 Funding Breakdown
Funding will be divided into 3 pots, with unused funds from the Focus Watershed and Mini-Grant pots to be redistributed into the General Projects pot.
General Projects
Estimated Total Amount Available: $400,000 + any unused funds from the other two pots.
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$250,000
Focus Watershed Projects
Estimated Total Amount Available: $500,000
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $10,000-$250,000
Specific Eligibility Requirements: Projects located in the Bitterroot watershed.
Mini-Grant Programs
Estimated Total Amount Available: $100,000
Recommended Range for Funding Requests: $30,000-$60,000
Cost Share: A 40 percent cost share (match) is required. The match must be from non-federal sources (state, local, private), and may include in-kind donations of time and resources contributed to completion of the project. Use the following formula to calculate the amount of non-federal match required for your project: ((319 dollars requested)/.60) – (319 dollars requested) = required non-federal match
Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a governmental entity or a nonprofit organization. A governmental entity is a local, state, or federal organization that has been established and authorized by law. Nonprofit organizations are identified as having a tax-exempt declaration of 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service.
- Be registered with the Montana Secretary of State to do business in the state of Montana.
- Have the necessary liability insurance, and be in compliance with the Workers Compensation Act.
Project Eligibility
Projects must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Address nonpoint source pollution.
- Implement actions consistent with recommendations in the current Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan.
- Implement activities or practices identified in a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan
- Address impairments identified on Montana’s 2020 List of Impaired Waters. In some instances, projects on streams that are not listed as impaired may be acceptable. These projects must reduce pollutant loading to an impaired, downstream receiving water OR protect existing uses from becoming impaired.
- Be completable within three years. (Note: In some instances, sponsors may be encouraged to apply for funding for design and permitting, and then come back and apply for funding for actual construction in a subsequent year.)
- Projects addressing stream flow through improved water use efficiency must include reasonable assurance that unused water will remain in the stream (e.g., through a change of use to instream flow, or a signed commitment from the water right holder).
- Projects involving grazing management (e.g., riparian fencing, creation of riparian pastures) must include a grazing management plan as a task deliverable.
- Projects involving riparian or wetland buffer creation must have a minimum buffer width of 25 feet, as measured from the water’s edge. If the buffer must be less than 25 feet in some places to accommodate bridges, water gaps or other infrastructure, the buffer should be made proportionately wider in other areas.
The following activities are NOT eligible for funding:
- Development of a Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP).
- Activities required as a condition of a point source (MPDES) discharge permit.
- Watershed characterization studies.
- Pollutant source identification.
- Water quality monitoring, except for monitoring the effectiveness of a current, 319-funded project.
- Statewide education and outreach campaigns.
- Projects whose primary purpose is to protect infrastructure from natural stream channel migration.
- Use of non-native plant species in restoration projects.
Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 5, 2021 | Issue of FY2022 Call for Applications |
| Until Wednesday, 10/27/2021 at 5:00 pm | DEQ will ensure staff availability for answering questions, reviewing draft applications, and providing other assistance. |
| Friday, 10/29/2021, 5:00 pm | Signed applications and all attachments due to DEQ by 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday, 11/17/2021 | Project sponsor presentations and Agency Review Panel discussion |
| Friday, 12/3/2021, 5:00 pm | Notice of Intent to Award is sent to project sponsors |
| 12/6/2021 through 1/31/2022 | Contract development |
| July/August 2022 | Funding becomes available |
Annual Call for Applications - REVISED 10/22/2021
All project sponsors must thoroughly read the Call for Applications. All project sponsors are encouraged to contact a member of the DEQ Nonpoint Source staff prior to submitting their application (see “Contacts” tab below). If contact is made soon enough, we are often available to review draft applications, provide pre-application site visits, and offer suggestions to help improve the competitiveness of your application.
- 2022 Call For Applications
- 2022 Application Form Instructions
- 2022 Application Form – General and Focus Watershed - REVISED 10/22/2021
- 2022 Supplemental Project Form - REVISED 10/22/2021
- 2022 Application for Funding to Run a Mini-Grant Type Program - REVISED 10/22/2021
Current/Recent Applications
The following applications were submitted for Fiscal Year 2022 funding consideration:
- Big Sky Watershed Corps Mini-Grants: Building Local Capacity to Reduce and Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution
- Dry Creek Restoration - Phase 3
- Flint Creek Riparian Restoration - Phase 2
- Middle Fork Judith - Riparian Road Decommissioning and Rehabilitation, Phase 5
- Middle Fork West Fork Gallatin River - Project 5
- Miller and O'Brien Creeks Sediment Reduction and Restoration
- Nevada Creek Restoration Project Phase 5
- Pattee Creek Riparian Restoration Project
- Ranching for Rivers
- Smith Sage Springs Restoration Project
- Upper East Gallatin Restoration Permitting and Design
- Upper Ruby River Restoration
- Water Quality Education and Outreach Mini-Grant
- Willow Creek Restoration
Guidance for Funding Recipients (e.g., status/final reports)
319 Reporting Guidance:
- Status, Annual and Final Report Guidance
- Estimating the Value of Volunteer Labor
- Load Reduction Estimation Guide
Additional Resources
- Stream and Wetland Restoration Water Right Guidance by DNRC
- DEQ Education and Outreach Mini-Grant Program (administered by Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana)
- Other Watershed Funding Opportunities
- Projects Map
Contacts
The Department of Environmental Quality's nonpoint source program staff work with watershed groups, conservation districts, and state and federal agency partners to provide training, encourage the adoption of sustainable best management practices, and respond to emerging water quality issues. We frequently respond to water quality-related questions, provide on-site project consultation for potential projects, assist with watershed planning efforts, and help connect groups with appropriate funding partners and resources. Please contact any of our staff below for assistance
| Contact Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristy Fortman | Section Supervisor | 406-444-7425 | Kristy.Fortman@mt.gov |
| Mark Ockey | Water Quality Specialist | 406-465-0039 | mockey@mt.gov |
| Eric Trum | Water Quality Specialist | 406-444-0531 | etrum@mt.gov |
| Hannah Riedl | Water Quality Specialist | 406-444-0549 | hannah.riedl@mt.gov |
Water Quality Success Stories
Education and Outreach
DEQ provides limited funding for education and outreach through our E&O Mini-Grants Program, administered by Soil and Water Conservation. We are also often available to provide group presentations on a wide range of watershed health topics. DEQ provides significant support to watershed groups through partnerships and joint projects with the Montana Watershed Coordination Council, Montana Association of Conservation Districts, and state and federal agency partners.
Check out the education and outreach materials below that the 319 Program helped fund.| Topic | Summary | Project Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Beavers | A video (5 minutes) about beaver mimicry for stream restoration | Gallatin Watershed Council |
| Boating | Lake-friendly fueling: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
| Landownership | Livingonthebank.org, an online resource for buying, selling, or improving land along lakes, streams, and rivers. | Lewis and Clark Conservation District |
| Lawn maintenance | Lake-friendly lawns: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
| Livestock Management | Avoiding algal issues in stockwater ponds: a magazine article | MSU Extension |
| Livestock Management | On-site Guide for Livestock Operators | Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana |
| Pet Waste | Poop Scoop Signs | Gallatin Valley Land Trust |
| Riparian areas | Riparian Awareness Campaign: a video (30 seconds) | Missoula Valley Water Quality District |
| Riparian areas | Channel migration zones and easements: The Shape of a River, short video (12 minutes) | Montana Aquatic Resources Services |
| Septic Systems | A factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
| Septic Systems | A checklist to maintain your septic system's record | Flathead Lakers |
| Streams | Montana Stream Permitting: A Guide for Conservation District Supervisors and Others | Multiple partners |
| Watersheds | An "augmented reality sandbox" for use as an education tool. Visit Lake County CD's website to learn more, and check out the | Lake County Conservation District |
| Watersheds | Audio and printed watershed stories, featuring individuals and organizations around the state. | Montana Watershed Coordination |
| Winter maintenance | Winter de-icing: a factsheet | Flathead Lakers |
Nonpoint Source Management Plan and Annual Reports
Each year, DEQ reports on nonpoint source program achievements and activities. Click on the links below to see copies of past Annual Reports.
- 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019, PDF version| 2020, PDF version| 2021, PDF version
Every five years, Montana updates the state Nonpoint Source Management Plan to reflect new approaches and emerging priorities. The current Plan may be viewed by clicking on the links below.
- 2017 Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan (body)
- Appendix A: Best Management Practices
- Appendix B: Key Components of an Effective NPS Management Program & Crosswalk
- Appendix C: Water Quality Monitoring & Nonpoint Source Management
- Appendix D: Total Maximum Daily Load & Watershed Restoration Plan Progress
- Appendix E: Entities Addressing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Montana
- Appendix F: Protecting Groundwater Quality
- Appendix G: Section 319 Projects (2012-2016)
- Appendix H: Watershed Funding Opportunities
- Appendix I: Response to Public Comments
Wetlands
The 2020 - 2030 Montana DEQ Wetland Program Plan (Draft) guides activities.
Montana Wetland Council
DEQ collaborates with the Montana Wetland Council to develop and help implement the state wetland plan. The Montana Wetland Council is an active network of diverse interest that works cooperatively to conserve and restore Montana's wetlands and riparian ecosystems.
As part of its Strategic Framework, the Wetland Council offers public education and professional training and offers assistance to local governments through planning and growth management tools that help to protect wetlands and riparian areas.
The Montana Wetland Council also supports the completion, maintenance, and dissemination of statewide digital wetland and riparian information though its mapping, assessment, and monitoring program. Additional strategic directions of the Montana Wetland Council entail planning and policy assistance to local, state, tribal, and federal governments and the contribution to better understand the effects of energy development, limited water resources, and invasive aquatic species on vulnerable and impacted wetlands.
To receive Montana Wetland Council newsletters, updates, and announcements, go to the Montana Wetlands Council Mailing List signup page.
Wetland Maps and Inventories
Channel Migration Zone Maps
Obtaining Wetland Maps for Montana
The following links are web sites where information regarding wetland location can be obtained. This data can be viewed spatially via the web or downloaded by quad/or state into a GIS program.
Montana Wetland and Riparian Mapping Center
The Montana Heritage Wetland and Riparian Mapping Center produces much of the wetland and riparian maps for Montana. Currently NWI does not provide riparian area maps. Maps of provisional wetland data and riparian areas may be available for areas not currently in the NWI data base and can be obtained by contacting the Montana Natural Heritage Program (406) 444-3989.
USFWS National Wetlands Inventory
The NWI Wetlands Mapper allows you to download and view wetlands at a scale of 1:100,000 or less. Using the NWI Wetlands Mapper lets you download wetlands only in the immediate vicinity of the area you are interested in. Wetlands Mapper also has the capability of producing maps that can be printed.
Google Earth
View NWI Wetlands in Google Earth follow the WetlandsData.KMZ link on NWI Wetlands in Google Earth page.
Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure - Wetlands Layer
Montana allows you to download a statewide dataset of wetlands currently mapped in a GIS shapefile format through the Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure. The MSDI Wetlands and Riparian Areas can also be accessed through the Montana Natural Heritage Web Map or Map Server is GIS.
Not finding wetlands information for your area? Click here to determine if wetlands have been or are scheduled to be mapped in your area.
If you need further assistance, contact Stephen Carpenedo (406) 444-3527 or the Montana Natural Heritage (406) 444-3989.
Integrating Wetlands into Watershed Restoration Plans
The Wetland Program at MDEQ, Montana Wetlands Legacy Partnership, Big Hole Watershed Committee, and Greater Gallatin Watershed Committee, with funding from an EPA Wetland Program Development Grant started a pilot project in early 2011 to incorporate wetlands into the watershed restoration planning process. The goals of this project are:
- Incorporate wetland-specific goals and objectives into comprehensive watershed restoration plans;
- Increase the capacity of local governments and watershed groups to protect and restore wetlands through watershed restoration plans;
- Demonstrate the steps, techniques, and tools available for incorporating wetlands into watershed restoration planning;
- Demonstrate how the incorporation of wetlands into watershed restoration plans can contribute to reducing pollutant loads identified in the TMDL planning process; and
- Expand the incorporation of wetlands into other watershed restoration plans through the transfer of knowledge gained. To accomplish this we are loosely following the template the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) outlined in 'Using local Watershed Plans to Protect Wetlands' which recommends 11 steps necessary for incorporating wetlands into watershed restoration plans.
Wetland Health in the Musselshell River Basin Story Map
Tribal Wetlands Programs
The following web pages are to the wetlands resources programs at Montana's Indian Reservations. Some tribes do not maintain wetland programs.
2020 - 2030 Montana DEQ Wetland Program Plan (Draft)
Other Wetland Documents:
- Common Native and Invasive Wetland Plants in Montana
- Association of State Wetland Managers Homepage
- Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States
- Glossary of Wetlands Terms
- Environmental Protection Agency Wetland Fact Sheets
- Natural Resources and Conservation Service
- USDA PLANTS Database
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Delineation Manual 1987
- USACE Wetland Regional Supplements
- USACE National Wetland Plant List
Wetlands Grants
Wetland conservation priorities are funded by an Environmental Protection Agency grant program administered by the DEQ Wetland Coordinator. Currently, there are 20 active grant projects involving state and local governments.
Contacts
Stephen Carpenedo (406) 444-3527