State of Montana Newsroom
DEQ Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed Septage Land Application Sites in Gallatin County
HELENA—Today, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) published a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Robbins Septic regarding proposed septage land application sites in Gallatin County, Mont. The proposal includes two application sites on approximately 31 acres of private property located eight miles northeast of Three Forks off Clarkston Road.
In the application, Robbins Septic proposes to apply to agriculture fields septage that has been pumped from septic tanks, cesspools, or other primary treatment sources. Primary treatment reduces bacteria and other pathogens prior to land application, where remaining pathogens are destroyed by sunlight or application of lime. DEQ reviews and licenses septic tank pumpers and assesses applications for proposed land application sites according to requirements in state administrative rules. These rules include requirements related to site access as well as setbacks to surface water, residences, groundwater wells and steep topography. The application review process ensures that projects are protective of human health and the environment.
DEQ prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act to analyze potential impacts of the proposal. There is a 30-day public comment period following the publication of the draft EA, after which the Department will review comments and make a final decision on the application. Public comment closes Jan. 16, 2021, and comments can be submitted electronically or by mail. To submit comment or to view the draft EA, please visit the DEQ website at: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/news-article45