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Bill to exempt subdivisions from MEPA review draws sharp opposition over water concerns
Summary
Senate Bill 262 would remove certain subdivision reviews from the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) requirement tied to DEQ sanitation reviews; supporters say it eliminates duplicative review, while opponents warn it could weaken cumulative watershed analysis and public participation.
Senate Bill 262, introduced by Sen. Forrest Mandeville, would remove certain subdivision reviews from the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) requirement that accompanies Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sanitation reviews. The sponsor said the change is meant to streamline DEQ review and lower time and cost burdens on subdivisions that already face local review and septic permitting.
Proponents included the Montana Building Industry Association, county planners and a Flathead County planning board chair, who said DEQ MEPA reviews add time and paperwork without changing final permit outcomes and that the bill would allow local and independent reviewers to process applications more efficiently. Jeff Larson, a civil engineer…
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