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Offsets Bill Seeks Flexible Options for Nutrient Reductions; Environmental Groups Seek More Detail
Summary
House Bill 736 would allow point‑source dischargers to use nutrient pollutant loading offsets—credits for measurable watershed projects that reduce nutrient loads—instead of costly end‑of‑pipe upgrades, proponents told the committee.
Representative Fitzpatrick described House Bill 736 as a mechanism to allow nutrient pollutant loading offsets so point‑source dischargers (for example wastewater treatment plants) could obtain credit for measurable reductions achieved elsewhere in a watershed instead of installing extremely costly treatment upgrades.
Proponents including the Montana Mining Association, Montana Coal Council, Treasure State Resources Association, Montana Rural Water and city public‑works officials said offsets provide flexible, watershed‑scale options—riparian fencing, wetland development and septic removals—that can reduce nutrient loading more cost‑effectively than further…
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