2019 Montana Code Annotated
Title 75. Environmental Protection
Chapter 20. Major Facility Siting
Part 2. Certification Proceedings
75-20-232. Criteria for identifying proposed facilities that qualify for expedited review
75-20-232. Criteria for identifying proposed facilities that qualify for expedited review. (1) In order for a facility to qualify for expedited review under 75-20-231, the department shall make a significance determination of the impacts associated with a proposed facility. This determination is the basis of the department's decision concerning whether the proposed facility qualifies for expedited review.
(2) The department shall consider the following criteria in determining the significance of each impact that the proposed facility has on the quality of the human environment:
(a) the severity, duration, geographic extent, and frequency of occurrence of the impact;
(b) (i) the probability that the impact will occur if the proposed action occurs; or
(ii) reasonable assurance in keeping with the potential severity of an impact that the impact will not occur;
(c) growth-inducing or growth-inhibiting aspects of the impact, including the relationship or contribution of the impact to cumulative impacts;
(d) the quantity and quality of each environmental resource or value that would be affected, including the uniqueness and fragility of those resources or values;
(e) the importance to the state and to society of each environmental resource or value that would be affected;
(f) any precedent that would be set as a result of an impact of the proposed action that would commit the department to future actions with significant impacts or to a decision in principle about future actions;
(g) potential conflict with local, state, or federal laws, requirements, or formal plans;
(h) the degree to which the impacts on the human environment are likely to create a high level of public concern; and
(i) the economic importance and benefits to the state and the local community of the proposed facility.
(3) An impact may be adverse, beneficial, or both. If none of the adverse effects of the impact are significant, expedited review is required.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 329, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 217, L. 2003.
