Water

DEQ works closely with many stakeholders including the regulated community, non-governmental organizations, local governments, the EPA and other federal agencies, and interested members of the public. We value the feedback stakeholders provide to us throughout our decision-making processes.

This page provides more information about the various committees and advisory councils associated with DEQ's water programs. Some of these groups are established in Montana statute while others are created by DEQ to address unique issues or projects. A couple of the councils have members appointed by the Governor to serve in an official advisory capacity. Each group is described in more detail below. Click a link below to jump to a specific section of the page.

DEQ Working Groups and Committees

Governor-Appointed Councils

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DEQ Working Groups and Committees

The groups in below comprise members that are selected by DEQ for a variety of issue- or project-related purposes that are described in the overview of each group. If you would like to be involved in any of the groups, please reach out to the staff contact for more information.

 

In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 664 which, among other actions, ended the Nutrient Work Group.

The Nutrient Work Group was an advisory work group, convened by DEQ and representing various interested parties, that advised the department on nutrient standards, the implementation of those standards, and associated economic impacts. Materials from past Nutrient Work Group meetings can be found below. 

In 2025, the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 736 which directs DEQ to expand opportunities for nutrient trading available to point source dischargers and to update Circular DEQ-13, Montana’s Policy for Nutrient Trading, and ARM 17.30.1701. The Nutrient Trading/Offset Work Group serves in an advisory capacity to the Department on composing, reviewing, and discussing changes and update to Circular DEQ-13, and the implementation of HB 736. The Nutrient Trading/Offset Work Group is comprised of a small, diverse group of knowledgeable individuals representing varying stakeholder groups including POTWs, conservation groups, industry, and state government.

 

Staff Contact: Kyle Milke (406) 444-6491

The Subdivision Advisory Task Force acts as a liaison between DEQ, counties and sanitarians, and the public as part of the Department’s continual improvement process focused on improving subdivision and development related processes and policies while protecting public health and the environment. The Subdivision Advisory Task Force's work is guided by the policies set out under the Water Quality Act MCA 75-5-101 and the Sanitation in Subdivisions MCA 76-4-101.

Staff Contact: James Erven (406) 461-9844

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The Statewide TMDL Advisory Group (STAG) is authorized under section 75-5-702(9) of the Montana Water Quality Act. The STAG serves in an advisory capacity to the Department on topics such as TMDL development priorities, water quality assessment methods, water quality data management, and TMDL implementation monitoring. The fourteen member group represents a broad base of water related interest groups in Montana.  The groups represented are livestock-oriented agriculture, farming-oriented agriculture, conservation or environmental interest, water-based recreationists, the forestry industry, municipalities, point source dischargers, mining, federal land management agencies, state trust land management agencies, supervisors of soil and water conservation districts for counties both west and east of the continental divide, the hydroelectric industry, and fishing related businesses.

The Department selects members of the advisory group by soliciting nominations from each interest group. The nominees must agree on a single nominee, which is then appointed to the STAG by the DEQ Director. STAG members serve a term limit of two years, but there are no limits on the number of terms a member may serve if they are renominated by their interest group at the end of their term.

Staff Contact: Christina Staten (406) 444-2836

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Governor-Appointed Councils

The Governor appoints members to the following councils to serve as official environmental advisory boards. These councils are established in Title 2, part 15, chapter 21 of the Montana Code Annotated, as described in the text below.

 

The Water Pollution Control Advisory Council represents a diverse array of Montana interests and plays an important role in formulating Montana's water quality policy. Council members are appointed by the Governor and serve in an advisory capacity to the Department by furnishing advice, gathering information, and making recommendations. The Council also reviews and advises the Department on draft administrative rules. WPCAC is authorized under section 2-15-2107 of the Montana Code Annotated.

Staff Contact: Tiffany Lyden (406) 444-3576 or Tiffany.Lyden@mt.gov 

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The Water and Wastewater Operators' Advisory Council provides program stakeholder review functions. The council is appointed by the governor and is comprised of seven members (2-15-2105, Montana Code Annotated).  The members are water and wastewater operators, a representative of a municipality, a faculty member of a university, and a DEQ representative.