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Bill would allow nutrient offsets, letting dischargers fund watershed projects instead of costly plant upgrades
Summary
House Bill 736 would let regulated point‑source dischargers receive permit credit for funding or implementing nonpoint‑source nutrient‑reduction projects within the same watershed, provided the offset produces a net decrease in nutrient loading.
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick, House District 24, opened the hearing on House Bill 736, which would revise the Montana Water Quality Act to permit nutrient offsets that deliver a net decrease in watershed nutrient loading. Fitzpatrick said the bill aims to give regulated point sources alternatives to expensive treatment upgrades by enabling offsets such as riparian fencing, wetland development, or septic‑system removal.
Industry and local governments rose in support. Matt Vincent (on behalf of the Montana Mining Association) said offsets let point sources…
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