Brian Schweitzer, Governor 

Richard H. Opper, Director 

P.O. Box 200901 • Helena, MT 59620-0901 • (406) 444-2544 • www.deq.mt.gov 

February 17, 2012 

James B. Martin 

Regional Administrator 

USEPA, Region 8 

1595 Wynkoop St. 

Denver, Colorado 80202-1129 

Dear Mr. Martin: 

Montana is submitting a revision to its State Implementation Plan. This submission 

contains a revision to the Montana Visibility Plan that now includes a reference to Best 

Available Control Technology as the visibility control measure for open burning as 

currently administered through the air quality permit program. Additional nonsubstantive revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, 

and grammar / punctuation corrections. 

This submission meets the requirements of 40 CFR Part 51 Appendix V for 

completeness, and includes one hard copy of the Record of Adoption. An electronic 

copy of the revised Montana Visibility Plan will also be made available in .pdf format. If 

you have any questions regarding the contents of this submission, please contact Bob 

Habeck at (406) 444-7305. 

Sincerely, 

Richard H. Opper 

Director 

Enc. 

RECEIVED
 

U.s. EPA Region 8
 

RA's Office
 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
RECORD
 

State Implementation Plan Notice and Comment Process
 

For Montana Visibility Plan
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

October 20, 2011 

(1)	 Public notice statement 

(2)	 Proof of notice to Interested Parties &APCAC including the list of 

interested parties 

(3)	 DEQ Public Comments page with SIP notice 

(4)	 Documents made available on DEQ website 

(5)	 Public comments 

December 2, 2011 

(6)	 Public notice statement (re-notice) 

(7)	 Proof of notice to Interested Parties &APCAC including the list of 

interested parties 

(8)	 DEQ Public Comments page with SIP notice 

(9)	 Documents made available on DEQ website 

(10) Public comments 

December 27, 2011 

(11)	 Public notice statement (extension) 

(12) Proof of notice to Interested Parties &APCAC including the list of 

interested parties 

(13) DEQ Public Comments page with SIP extension notice 

(14) Documents made available on DEQ website 

(15) Public comments 

(16) Department response to COITlments 

c?/c?;j;~ Prepared by:	 Date: 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public comment on the proposed 

submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana 

State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving 

the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility 

monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a 

reference to Best Available Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility 

mitigation measure for open burning administered through the Department's open 

burning permit program. Additional non-substantive Plan revisions include 

administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar / punctuation 

edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a 

request for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time 

for that hearing will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting 

comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have 

copies made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability 

that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. 

Persons needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the 

accommodation needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, 

Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email 

"obarta@mt.gov." 

6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described 

above in writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressedto"obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 

p.m. November 18, 2011. 
Barta, Cline 

From: Oline Barta [obarta@mt.gov]
 

'Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 11 :13 AM
 

To: Barta,Oline
 

Subject: MT-DEQ Request for Public Comment
 

DATE: October 20, 2011
 

TO: Air Interested Parties
 

FROM: Montana Department of Environmental Quality
 

Air Resources Management Bureau
 

RE: Public Comment on SIP Submission
 

PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public comment on the proposed submission of revisions to the 

Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

_	 Interested persons may view the public notice, The Montana Visibility Plan, and an explanation of changes on the 

Department's website at: http://deg.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

1 
EmaiiAddr_ 

2horses@nemontel.net 

SfriendIyfish@bresnan.net 

Abbie.Krebsbach@mdu.com 

aclark27@bloomberg.net 

adam.poll@tetratech.com 

aday@trinityconsultants.com 

afanderson@fs.fed.us 

ahedges@meic.org 

ahenolson@trinityconsultants.com 

alexanderrr@cdm.com 

allen@allen-associatesmt.com 

andrea.perez@hexion.com 

apack@aIl4inc.com 

astecpermits@gmail.com 

aussie_northcott@hotmail.com 

azzie_301@hotmail.com 

barrettmaureen@stanleygroup.com 

bayxie@aol.com 

bdhohn@hohneng.com 

bdundas@truecos.com 

beamman60S6@msn.com 

benjamin.recker@tetratech.com 

berrysoup@yahoo.com 

beth_dickerson@fws.gov 

bettyl u@blackfoot.net 

bhabeck@mt.gov 

bholla nd@crowleylaw.com 

bjohnson@summite.com 

blaise.leblanc@hotmail.com 

blakecrk@gmail.com 

bml@stateside.com 

bmontgomery@montana-wcc.com 

bob.vantuyl@ashgrove.com 

boschleicher@mt.gov 

bret@bison-eng.com 

brian.mchugh@tetratech.com 

brian.zieske@malmstrom.af.mil 

brianna@c1arkfork.org 

brinda@serafinatechnical.com 

brogers@newfield.com 

Bruce.Krepley@naes.com 

bschmidt@co.missoula.mt.us 

bsoamj@3rivers.net 

BSquires@nicnd.com 

Bstevenson@rosipower.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

FullName_ 

Debbie Madison 

Jack & Pamela Emard 

Abbie Krebsbach 

Aaron Clark 

Adam Poll 

Aaron Day 

Anna Anderson 

Anne Hedges 

Anna Henolson 

Bob Alexander 

Don Allen 

Andrea 

Amy Pack 

Catherine 

robert 

k 

Maureen 

eddy 

Brian Hohn 

Bob Dundas 

Anderson 

Ben Recker 

bonita 

beth dickerson 

Jim Young 

Bob Habeck 

B. Holland
 

Bruce Johnson
 

Krista Evans 

Becky Lukaesko 

Bob Montgomery 

Bob Vantuyl 

Bob Schleicher 

Bret Gallo 

Brian McHugh 

Brian Zieske 

Brianna Randall 

Brinda Ramanathan 

Brad Rogers 

Bruce Krepley 

Ben Schmidt 

Mary Jane McGarity 

Bruce Squires 

Bruce Stevenson YELP 
bsublasky@emsl.com 

bullorj@bp.com 

burns.betsy@epa.gov 

bvaughn@montana.com 

c2nites2000@yahoo.com 

calvin.e.kidney@wellsfargo.com 

carl@compliancefreaks.com 

cartoonsmart@mac.com 

cash1230@esaphaseone.com 

cathyl@bkbh.com 

cboe@mt.gov 

cefarms@tetonwireless.net 

cflanders@nobleenergyinc.com 

cgernand@mt.gov 

chalbert@landauinc.com 

chenine.wozniak@ch2m.com 

cheryllynned@marathonoil.com 

chomer@mt.gov 

chuck.buus@imerys.com 

chuck@netentrust.com 

chuckp@cskt.org 

cindLbuschman@mccormick.com 

cindymed@hotmail.com 

c1aseur@plainsjustice.org 

c1colclasure@hollandhart.com 

cmhd@midrivers.com 

cmrcd@midrivers.com 

coate.carson@epa.gov 

coolnickjr@hotmail.com 

coupscounter@yahoo.com 

cpowell@ltenv.com 

cranecreationsl@yahoo.com 

crose@3rivers.net 

crwindmueller@wtrconsulting.com 

d.kea ne@bresnan.net 

dan.corti@mso.umt.edu 

darrell.soyars@avistacorp.com 

daveduttonfraser@yahoo.com 

davew@kirkwoodcompanies.com 

davidJong@eogresources.com 

dblank@ncpa.org 

dbusby@montanarefining.com 

dcowan@mt.gov 

dcquickdraw@gmail.com 

debbies_design@yahoo.com 

deborah.perry@oneok.com 

detroit03mm@yahoo.com 

Interested Parties list 

Sent 10/20/11 

ben
 

Robin Bullock
 

Betsy Burns
 

Barbara Vaughn
 

Kermit Snow
 

Calvin Kidney
 

Carl Williams
 

Buddy Rogers
 

John Meyers
 

Cathy Laughner
 

Chris Boe
 

Chad Dohney
 

Catherine Flanders
 

Candice Gernand
 

Chip Halbert
 

Chenine Wozniak
 

Cheryl-Lynne Davis -Marathon Oil
 

Charles Homer
 

Chuck Buus
 

chuck
 

Chuck Page
 

Cindy Buschman
 

Cindy
 

Carrie La Seur
 

- Chris Colclasure
 

Mike Rinaldi
 

Monty L. Sealey
 

Carson Coate
 

randy lahey
 

David saylor
 

Chad Powell
 

Julia Crane
 

Corrine Rose
 

C. Ray Windmueller
 

Senator Keane
 

Dan Corti
 

Darrell Soyars
 

dave
 

Dave
 

David Long
 

Danielle Blank
 

Dexter Busby
 

Devin Cowan
 

Devin Cowan
 

_. Debra Vetter
 

Deborah Perry
 

Mike
 
Interested Parties List 

dhart@c1eanair.com 

dhrubes@midrivers.com 

diannalin@msn.com 

djohnsonhorne@barrick.com 

dlambrecht@jbrenv.com 

dlorenzen@pioneer-technical.com 

dmunson@mt.gov 

dmyran@montana-wcc.com 

dolan.kathy@epa.gov 

donald.may@tetratech.com 

dpaulsen@ala-nr.org 

dpavuk@crowleylaw.com 

dpowers@summite.com 

drusoff@mt.gov 

dshonerd@multistate.com 

dsimonson@mt.gov 

dsimpson@montana-wcc.com 

dsoehren@bresnan.net 

dugiejm@hotmail.com 

dujohnson@mt.gov 

dvanhyning1@msn.com 

DVizzolini@collisionsync.com 

dwalsh@mt.gov 

dwolfe@mt.gov 

ed@mt.net 

edmadler@hotmail.com 

edward.hook1@montana.edu 

eemc@bresnan.net 

eisele.adam@epa.gov 

elbrunner@gmail.com 

emcrae@fageninc.com 

emerchant@mt.gov 

emilieboyles@yahoo.com 

eric.detmer@cldpk.com 

esa@platts.com 

fcrowley@doneylaw.com 

finanzaspersonales@adinet.com.uy 

fotto@ups.com 

frank@shumaker.psemail.com 

gaila_consulting@msn.com 

gamefreak1261@yahoo.com 

gcm@sierraresearch.com 

gera Idschlosser@benefis.org 

gjackson@emittechnologies.com 

gjg@ecocion.com 

gmcgann@co.carbon.mt.us 

Greg.brown@chsinc.com 

Sent 10/20/11 

Dean Hart 

David Hrubes 

Dianna Lintner 

Deborah Johnson-Horne 

David Lambrecht 

Diane Lorenzen 

Darren Munson 

Darrel Myran 

Don May 

Dick Paulsen 

D. Pavuk 

Dan Powers 

Dave Rusoff 

David Shonerd 

Dave Simonson 

Dave Simpson 

Doug Soehren 

Jeff 

Dusti 

Dyrck Van Hyning 

Dana Vizzolini 

Dan Walsh 

Deb Wolfe 

Ed Santos 

Edward Madler - APCAC 

ej hook 

Dave Wang 

Adam Eisele 

Erica Brunner 

Edward McRae 

Eric Merchant 

emilie boyles 

Eric Detmer 

Esa 

Frank Crowley 

Astragala 

Friedheim Otto 

frank 

Gail Abercrombie 

gamefreak 

Gabe McAuliffe 

Gerald Schlosser 

Gary Jackson 

Gary Gates 

Gregory McGann 

Greg Brown 
greLnicolls@hotmail.com 

grodway@bison-eng.com 

guy@axmen.com 

hbedbury@montanarefining.com 

hbruner@mt.gov 

hestmark.martin@epa.gov 

hhsgreengroup@gmail.com 

hkaiser@hydrometrics.com 

hpeterson@mtech.edu 

hrash@mt.gov 

hrobbins@bison-eng.com 

hthigpen@mt.gov 

info@kakuk.com 

info@lion.com 

info@northernplains.org 

Jackie.Flikkema@Kniferiver.com 

jackross@nemontel.net 

jade.stokkes@imerys.com 

Jagadeesan.5ethuraman@whiting.com 

jahughes@mt.gov 

jajehn@marathonoil.com 

jake.weirich@edaw.com 

jakenny@mt.gov 

james.makowecki@taqa.ca 

jamie.christopher@aecom.com 

jamie.gaboriau@imerys.com 

jamiew@slservices.net 

JasMatthews@msn.com 

javid@mod2.com 

jcarlin@mt.gov 

jcarlson@co.missoula.mt.us 

jchaffee@bison-eng.com 

jdorris@mt.gov 

jean.semborski@conocophillips.com 

jeannehallesy@yahoo.com 

jeff.briggs@ashgrove.com 

jeff@ajaxcomputernetworking.com 

Jenna_k_02@hotmail.com 

jennifer.cinq-mars@ang.af.mil 

jennifergoldman@ogap.org 

jenomara@mt.gov 

jerry.dismukes@whiting.com 

jfdowns@babcock.com 

jford2@mt.gov 

Jiakun.Zhang@stjude.org 

jilesejibril@yahoo.com 

jjones@bwenergylaw.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

robert 

Grant Rodway 

guy hanson 

- Hadley Bedbury 

Heidy Bruner 

Martin Hestmark 

HHS Green Group 

Heidi Kaiser 

Holly Peterson 

Hoby Rash 

Hal Robbins 

Helen Thigpen 

Michael Kakuk 

Lion Technologies 

Northern Plains Resource Council 

Jackie Flikkema 

Jack Ross 

Jade Stokkes 

Jagadeesan Sethuraman 

Jim Hughes 

John Jehn 

Jake Weiriich 

Jake Kenny 

James Makowecki -,

Jamie Christopher 

Jamie Gaboriau 

Jamie Whiteman 

James Matthews, M.D. 

Javid Nia 

Jim Carlin 

Jim Carlson 

Jeff Chaffee 

Joshua Dorris 

Jean Semborski 

Jeanne 

Jeff Briggs 

Jeff 

Jenna Loring 

Jen 

Jennifer Goldman 

Jenny O'Mara 

Jerry Dismukes 

John Downs 

McCloud (Joe) Ford 

Jiakun Zhang 

Jilese 

julia jones 
jmariepatrick@3rivers.net 

JMBlanco@marathonpetroleum.com 

jmerkel@mt.gov 

jmparker@pplweb.com 

Joe@shumaker.psemail.com 

JOELKelm@msn.com 

John@SenatorJohn.net 

johnJei@ibew.org 

john_mcmichael@xtoenergy.com 

jon.madison@mdu.com 

jonnysanty@gmail.com 

joseph.w.lierow@exxonmobil.com 

josephfdepaz@yahoo.com 

joshua.jua@riverstonehealth.org 

joystevens1@bresnan.net 

jrussell@flathead.mt.gov 

jscott@cherrycreekradio.com 

jugorowski@mt.gov 

jwaIsh@wayzpartners.com 

Kalle.Kuether@mdu.com 

karen@netentrust.com 

kdavid@flathead.mt.gov 

kenre@comcast.net 

kgehret@perkinscoie.com 

khooper@libby.org 

kirsty_gilmour@hotmail.com 

kmoore@co.lewis-c1ark.mt.us 

korr@mt.gov 

krandall@fvcc.edu 

ksolberg@anacondadeerlodge.mt.gov 

ktooke@enerplus.com 

kwalsh@enviroconsult.com 

kwebb@m-m.net 

larry@montanasulphur.com 

Iclark@fs.fed.us 

leah.bennett@rocketmail.com 

lee@prrlaw.com 

lepodal@yahoo.com 

Ihendley@co.lewis-c1ark.mt.us 

Iibrary@crowleylaw.com 

lindsay.spurlock@imerys.com 

Iisasandoval@contres.com 

Ikambham@trinityconsultants.com 

1I0ken@wpcnd.com 

Imoody@all-llc.com 

Imoral@trinityconsultants.com 

Inguyen@trinityconsultants.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

June Patrick 

Julius Blanco 

Julie Merkel 

Jim Parker 

Joe Aline 

Joel Kelm 

John Brueggman 

John Lei - APCAC 

John McMichael 

Jon madison 

Jonny Santy 

Joe Lierow 

Joseph F. de Paz 

Joshua 

Joy Stevens 

Joe Russell 

Jay Scott 

Joe Ugorowski 

John Walsh 

Kalle Kuether 

karen 

Kelly David 

Kenneth Reeves 

Kate Gehret 

Kathy Hooper 

Kirsty Gilmour 

Kathy Moore 

Katherine Orr 

Katie Randall 

Karen Solberg 

Kirsti Tooke 

Kevin Walsh 

Kristi Webb 

Larry Zink 

Lori Clark 

Leah Bennett 

Lee Bruner 

Debbie Lepo 

L Hendley 

Crowley Law 

Lindsay Spurlock 

Lisa Sandoval 

Latha kambham 

Lance Loken 

Lee Moody 

Lani Moral 

Linda Nguyen 
lonnie.fallin@jacobs.com 

Loraderm@gmail.com 

lstuder@stmaryland.com 

Iweeks@nemont.net 

Izanto@mt.gov 

macka_maka@hotmail.com 

macwilly66@msn.com 

marcellama@cskt.org 

Margaret.Zebley@aecom.com 

margaret@montanasuJphur.com 

mark.lin@gmail.com 

mark@aspence.net 

markschaffer57@hotmail.com 

mary.blel@chsinc.com 

mbarton@co.missoula.mt.us 

rnbasta@greatfallsmt.net 

mbayne@abraxaslusk.com 

mbrown@ap.org 

mcferrins@mt.net 

megan.siems@sierraclub.org 

mhillman@trinityconsultants.com 

mhoffman@jeffco.mt.gov 

michael.white@wbip.com 

michelle@skyride.net 

mike.simpson2009@gmail.com 

miosh_com@yahoo.com 

MitcheII.Leu@plumcreek.com 

mlct@mt.net 

mmca@mttrucking.org 

montanabobcat@gmail.com 

mpa@montanapetroleum.org 

mpainter@ci.missoula.mt.us 

mpontiff@newfield.com 

mraile@montanarefining.com 

mrlambrecht@pplweb.com 

msimonich@helenahar.com 

msthompson@barrick.com 

mtaudubon@mtaudubon.org 

muncie1929@itstriangle.com 

mWignot@hydrometrics.com 

nancy_grosulak@xtoenergy.com 

nickgeranios4317@msn.com 

nturnbuIl2@gmail.com obarta@mt.gov 

omar_232@cOde.net 

parker-christensen.victoria@epa.gov 

Pat.kimmet@chsinc.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

Lonnie Fallin 

Lora Behlmer 

luke 

- Linda Weeks 

Lynn Zanto 

robert 

Representative McChesney 

Marcella Mahseelah 

Margaret Zebley 

Margaret 

Mark 

Mark C. Peterson 

mark schaffer 

Mary Blel 

Michael Barton 

Martin Basta 

Marc Bayne 

Matt Brown 

Felecity McFerrins 

Megan Siems 

Melissa Hillman 

Michael G. Hoffman II 

Mike White 

michelle Hartly 

Mike Simpson 

Ken Liston 

Mitchell Leu 

Alec Hansen 

Montana Motorcarriers 

Bob 

Dave Galt 

Michael L. Painter 

Mike Pontiff 

Mike Raile 

Mark Lambrecht 

Mark Simonich 

Mark Thompson 

Montana Audubon 

Muncie Morger 

Michael Wignot 

Nancy Grosulak 

Geranios Enterprises Inc 

Neil Turnbull 

Oline Barta 

Smith 

- Victoria Parker-Christensen 

Pat Kimmet 
pat@crowleyconsultants.com 

. patels3@hotmail.com 

patty@johnsonlanematerials.com 

pauldsherrpc@yahoo.com 

pcollins@crowleylaw.com 

phippsangela@stanleygroup.com 

pjsimonich@pplweb.com 

pkukay@hotmail.com 

pmckenzie@stoltzelumber.com 

randall.j.richert@conocophillips.com 

rdriear@centurytel.net 

rebecca@bison-eng.com 

rebecca@northernplains.org 

reed.j.marton@conocophillips.com 

rfink@co.carbon.mt.us 

rgilson@cbmainc.com 

rgilson@H2Eincorporated.com 

rhughes@rmsmanagement.com 

Rick.Walsh@Northwestern.com 

rjeffrey@mt.gov 

rkenyon@cgrs.com 

roark@imt.net 

ron.hyatte@imerys.com 

ronald.nadwornick@mt.usda.gov 

ross. whelchel@northwestern.com 

rr@hayfam.com 

rsouthwick@gr-northern.com 

Runningelkcliff@aol.com 

russ. bos@riverstonehealth.org 

russb@ycchd.org 

ruth~ensen@transcanada.com

RWeimer@stillwatermining.com 

sabrina_rojas@hotmail.com 

sabskb@gmail.com 

sbassett@blm.gov 

sbomba rd@natlforests.org 

sbrown@aquionix.com 

Shannon.morgan@rosi-boise.com 

sharikayz@yahoo.com 

shatten@mt.gov 

sherry.bursey@anadarko.com 

shsullivan@westernsugar.com 

sjohnson@co.cascade.mt.us 

smason @hYdrometrics.com 

smullins@industrialinfo.com 

snowa kowski@mt.gov 

sobrien@oasisemission.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

Pat Crowley
 

patel
 

Patty
 

Paul
 

P. Collins 

Angela Phipps 

Pete Simonich 

Paul Kukay 

Paul R. McKenzie 

Randall Richert 

Ralph Driear 

Rebecca 

Rebecca Fischer 

Reed J. Marton 

Rodney Fink 

Robert Gilson 

Robert Gilson 

Rose Hughes 

Rick Walsh 

Robert Jeffrey 

Randy Kenyon 

Carol Lee-Roark 

Ron Hyatte 

Ronald Nadwornick 

Ross Whelchel 

C.E.Robertson 

Rich Southwick 

Running Elk 

Russ Boschee 

Russ Boschee 

Ruth Jensen 

Randy Weimer 

Sabrina 

Scott and Sheree Bombard 

Susan Bassett 

Sheree Bombard 

Sean Brown 

Owen Orndorff -YELP 

Shari Kay 

Skye Hatten 

Sherry 

Shawn Sullivan 

Sandy Johnson 

Scott Mason 

Shane Mullins 

Sonja Nowakowski 

Shawna O'Brien 
solsen@mt.gov 

srubino@sc.rr.com 

ssternberg@mt.gov 

Stacy.aguirre@wbip.com 

stellaholt@live.com 

stevew@bkbh.com 

susanalise@cox.net 

swright@cfaluminum.com 

szehntner@mt.gov 

taylor@theoutlawpartners.com 

tbrown1937@bresnan.net 

tdzomba@fs.fed.us 

teverts@mt.gov 

thomas.pick@mt.usda.gov 

tiphlmiller@yahoo.com 

tjewett@NPCA.ORG 

tkircher@stillwatermining.com 

tmerrill@aquionix.com 

todd.rudolph@aecom.com 

todg@cordite.com 

tomdavis@wispwest.net 

townofalberton@blackfoot.net 

traciebuhl@fs.fed.us 

twidboom@barr.com 

victor.m.dugan@exxonmobil.com 

videtich.callie@epa.gov 

walkers@cLbillings.mt.us 

Wburget@peabodyenergy.com 

whitem@dawsoncountymail.com 

wildcovenants@msn.com 

william.thompson@northwestern.com 

wjacobs@flathead.mt.gov 

wlneumiller@pplweb.com 

wlreynolds@bresnan.net 

woodwardjj@cdm.com 

wwmercer@hollandhart.com 

yoonyoung.choi@mcdean.com 

Interested Parties List 

Sent 10/20/11 

Sandi Olsen 

srubino 

Stan Sternberg 

- Stacy Aguirre 

Stella 

Steve Wade 

Susan 

Steve Wright 

Steve Zehntner 

Taylor Anderson 

thomas brown 

Thomas Dzomba 

Todd Everts 

Thomas Pick 

Tiphanie Keefe 

Tony Jewett 

Tom Kircher 

Teresa Merrill 

Todd 

Tod Glenn 

T. Davis 

Diane Jodsaas 

Tracie 

Tony Widboom 

Victor M. Dugan 

Callie Videtich 

Scott Walker 

Wanda Burgett 

Mike While 

Linda Dwarak 

Bill Thompson 

Wendee Jacobs 

Bill Neumiller 

William Reynolds 

Jesse Woodward 

bill mercer 

Yoonyoung Choi 

-

Members: 

Bud Clinch 

Carol Kenney 

Cathy Atkins ,,- ::liff Runningelk 

Don Potts 

Don Powers 

Erik Suffridge 

John Sesso 

Lori Bocchino 

Mike Ellitt 

Mike Philbin 

Mikel Siemens 

R. Daniel 

Rick Larson 

Rick Stefanic 

Stephen T. Smith 

Tim Roark 

William Rogers 

mtcoal@aol.com 

carolsrainbow@aol.com 

cathy.atkins@rma.army.mil 

runningelkcliff@aol.com 

don.potts@cfc.umt.edu 

dpowers@bsb.mt.gov 

erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov 

jsesso@bsb.mt.gov 

Ibocch@wyo.gov 

plessie.ellitt@usmc.mil 

Mike_Philbin@blm.gov 

mikel@rlkhydro.com 

rdaniel@rc.mt.gov 

ricklarson@bsb.mt.gov 

rick.stefanic@bia.gov 

stephentsmith@earthlink.net 

Tim.Roark@galiatin.mt.gov 

william.rogers@deq.idaho.gov 

2 
.-	 Montana Department of 

ENVIRONMENTALQUALITY Brian Schwei1zer, Governor 

P.O. Box 200901 • Helena, MT 59620-0901 • (406) 444-2544 • www.deq.mt.gov 

DATE:	 October 20, 2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality 

Air Resources Management Bureau 

RE:	 Public Comment on SIP Submission 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Montana Visibility Plan 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public comment on the proposed 

submission of revisions to the MontanaVisibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana 

State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving 

the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility 

monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a 

reference to Best Available Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility 

mitigation measure for open burning administered through the Department's open 

burning permit program. Additional non-substantive Plan revisions include 

administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar I punctuation 

edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a 

request for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time 

for that hearing will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting 

comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deg.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have 

copies made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability 

that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. 

Persons needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the 

accommodation needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, 

Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email 

"obarta@mt.gov." 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning. Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described 

above in writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 

p.m. November 18, 2011. 

-


-

. DALE COCKRELL BARB DOWSKI
 

STEPHEN BLANKENSHIP FORD 

925 L ST STE 390 

CHRISTENSEN MOORE COCKRELL 

POBOX 7370 

REG MANAGER QWEST EH & S 

1855 SFLATIRON COURT 

SACRAMENTO CA 95814 KALiSPEU MY 59904-0370 BOULDER CO 80301 

JAMES FLANSBURG ALAN FRONBERG PEGGY FRUIT 

HAYS LODGE POLE SCHOOLS GLACIER ENGINEERING PC· TOWN OF BROADUS 

BOX 110 124 1ST AVE SSTE 17 POBOX 659 

HAYS MT 59527 GREAT FALLS MT 59401 BROADUS MT 59317 

JOHN GERHART 

PO BOX 283 

BELT MT 59412 

LYNN HILL 

MSE-HKM INC 

POBOX 7010 

SHERIDAN WY 82801 

TAMMY JOHNSON 

ENVIRONOMICS INC 

POBOX 1026 

WHITEHAU MT 59759 

DICK JUNTUNEN BOBKEUY JERRY DKNUTSON 

RESOURCE MGMT ASSOCIA"rES INTERTEC WEST TECH SUPPLY & SERVICES 

259 MCCLEUAN CREEK RD 619 SW HIGGINS STE S POBOX 80711 

CLANCY MT 59634 MISSOULA MT 59803 BILLINGS MY 59108 

MICHAEL JLUCIANO JOHN MCKENNA WALTER L MCNUTT 

FARM HARVESTING OF EUREKA ETS INTERNATIONAL AG EQUIPMENT SALES 

PO BOX 1050 1401 MUNICIPAL RD NW 110 12TH AVE SW 

EUREKA MT 59917 ROANOKE VA 24012-1309 SIDNEY MT 59270 

...M RAMAKER 

PO BOX 760 

CHOTEAU MY 59422 

FRED STEELE 

CSKT TRIBAL HEALTH 

BOX 880 

ST IGNATIUS MY 59865 

LILA TAYLOR 

HC42 BOX 595 

BUSBY MT 59016 

NEIL TURNBULL 

PO BOX 404 

BROCKTON MT 59213 

GERALD WAGNER 

BLACKFEET TRIBAL 

PO BOX 2029 

BROWNING MT 59417 
Montana Uepartment ot bnvlfonmental (Juallty (lJE(J) - PublIC Comment .Penods 

~t~gov,. '~~~-~ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Montana'" 0111<;'''' Stillto Wob~lto

Home» Public Comment Periods 

Public Comment Periods 

By Subject or Program: 

Air Quality Permits
 

Draft TrvlDL Reports
 

Major Facility Siting (MFS)
 

Water Quality Discharge Permits
 

Nutrient Management Plans
 

The documents listed in the links above are not included in the list below. 

Download Acrobat Reader to view the pdf documents. 

Comment 

Site/Subject Period Document Location Send Comments To 

Ends 

Finding of No Significant Impact 

and Environmental Assessment for 

the Upper/Lower River Road Water 

and Sewer District's Improvements 

to Service District No.4 Project 

ARMB SIP Public Notice 

MT Visibility State Implementation
 

Plan
 

Explanation
 

-----------------! 

ARMB Rule SIP Public Notice 

Affected Rules in Subchapter 6 

ARM 17.8.763 

_____________I, 

I Oil & Gas Rules Submission Public 

l\Jotice 

Demonstration 

Attachments 

Attachment 11-Map 

November 

30, 2011 

October 

20, 2011 


 

Montana Department 

of Environmental 

Quality 

1520 E. 6th Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 I Helena, MT 59620 

I 

Montana Department of Environmental 

Quality

1520 E. 6th Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620 

I--------~-----------~

November 

1, 2011 . Montana Department of Environmental 

Quality 

, 1520 E. 6th Avenue 

i ~·3~~aOXM\00i90l20


 

August 18, 

2011 

Comments: 

I 

Continental 

' 

Montana Department 

of Environmental 

Quality 

1520 E. 6th Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620 

Gary J. Wiens P.E. 

Montana Department of 

Environmental Quality 

1520 E. 6th Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620 

Phone: (406)444-7838 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

MT-DEQjARMB 

PO Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620-0901 

Phone: (406) 444-0524 

Comments can be sent to:
 

Oline Barta
 

~6-~;~~~:1

....!_~_~_~e_n:_~_'(_~_~_65_)9_:_:_2-_-g_i_~_1__........l 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

MT-DEQjARMB 

PO Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620-0901 

Phone: (406) 444-0524 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx 
Montana Department of 

ENVJ[RONJMIENTAlLQUllUTY Brian Schweitzer, Governor 

P.O. Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901 (406) 444-2544 www.deq.mt.gov

DATE:	 October 20,2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality 

Air Resources Management Bureau 

RE:	 Public Comment on SIP Submission 

PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public comment on the proposed 

submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana 

State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving 

the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and Visibility 

monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a 

reference to Best Available Control Technology or 'BACT as the current visibility 

mitigation measure for open burning administered through the Department's open 

burning permit program. Additional non-substantive Plan revisions include 

administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar I punctuation 

edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a 

request for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time 

for that hearing will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting 

comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have 

copies made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability 

that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. 

Persons needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the 

accommodation needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, 

Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email 

"obarta@mt.gov." 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning~ Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described 

above in writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 

p.m. November 18, 2011. 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

9.6 MONTANA VISIBILITY PLAN
 

Replaces Page: 15-1 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20, 2011 Page: 1 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (1)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

INTRODUCTION 

This chapter of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) is designed to meet the 

visibility requirements set forth by Congress in amendments to the Federal Clean 

Air Act of 1977 (42 USC 7491). This Visibility Plan (Plan), however, is limited to 

the provisions set forth in 40 CFR 51.305 and 51.307, as noted in the settlement 

agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental 

Defense Fund (Environmental Defense Fund v. Ruckleshaus, No. C82-6850 

RPA), and 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(v)(E) pertaining to smoke management. The 

Plan is, therefore, divided into four general sections: (1) Ambient Monitoring 

Strategy, (2) New Source Review, (3) Smoke Management, and (4) Plan Review. 

The development of this Plan required coordination between the former Montana 

Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (Department) and the Federal 

Land Managers (FLM). As evidence to this process, the Department had 

numerous discussions with the National Park Service and the Forest Service. In 

addition, the FLMs were given the opportunity to review the New Source Review 

(NSR) Visibility rules on two occasions prior to a Board of Health and 

Environmental Sciences (Board) hearing (August 1, 1984 and January 3, 1985). _. 

The FLMs were also given two opportunities to review the monitoring plan and a 

draft version of the SIP prior to a Board hearing (April 16, 1985 and June 4, 

1985). Comments by the FLMs were incorporated, where appropriate, in the 

final NSR requirements and monitoring plan. The hearing for the visibility rules 

occurred on May 17, 1985 and again on July 19, 1985. The hearing for the 

monitoring plan and SIP was on July 19, 1985. The FLMs were notified more 

than 30 days in advance of these hearing dates. 

AMBIENT MONITORING STRATEGY 

The requirements for the ambient monitoring strategy are published in 40 CFR 

51.305. The Department will comply with these requirements by implementing 

the following Plan Objectives: 

Replaces Page: 15-2 Dated: May 20, 1985 -. 

October 20,2011 Page: 2 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (2)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Plan Objectives 

The Department will implement the Plan in order to meet the objectives of 42 

USC 7491. Ambient monitoring shall be carried out in such a manner as to fulfill 

the following objectives: 

a.	 Determine existing impairment, if any, in mandatory Class I areas 

and the source(s) of impairment; 

b.	 Provide information for new source impact analyses; 

c.	 Determine actual effects on visibility from the operation of new 

sources; and 

d.	 Analyze visibility trends in order to evaluate progress toward 

meeting the national goal of visibility protection. 

The Department will implement the four tasks above by: 

1.	 Addressing and considering the need for visibility monitoring as part 

of its Annual Network Review process. FLMs will be given an 

opportunity to comment on the Annual Network Review before it 

becomes final. 

2.	 Considering participation with the FLMs to operate visibility 

monitoring stations and share data. 

3.	 Requesting from each FLM responsible for any Class I area copies 

of any and all past or existing programs designed to monitor or 

evaluate visibility. 

4.	 Requesting copies of all future visibility data gathered by each FLM 

noted in #1 above on an annual basis, including any analysis and 

interpretation of such data. 

5.	 Evaluating any data provided by FLMs in addition to any other data 

collected by the Department or any other appropriate source (such 

as proposed major stationary sources) as appropriate to assess 

Reasonable Further Progress requirements. 

Replaces Page: 15-3	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20, 2011 Page: 3 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (3)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

6.	 Requiring sources subject to the requirements of ARM 17.8.1110 to 

conduct periodic visibility analyses using existing visibility data, if 

available, or generating visibility data as a part of the permit 

application. 

NEW SOURCE REVIEW 

The Board adopted a number of rules designed to mitigate the effects of 

emissions on visibility. A copy of the rules pertaining to the regulation of 

emissions for purposes of visibility are provided in the following section. 

Federal Requirement	 Montana Response 

40 CFR 51.307	 Notification to the FLMs is provided 

in ARM 17.8.760(2) and 17.8.1108. 

(a)(1) - Provide for written notification ARM 17.8.1108 requires notification 

of all affected Federal Land at the time the permit is submitted 

Managers (FLM) of any proposed while ARM 17.8.759(4) requires 

new major stationary source or Major notification at the time of the 

modification that may affect visibility Department's preliminary 

in any Federal Class I area. determination. ARM 17.8.1106 

Notification must be made in writing requires an analysis of the visibility 

and be within 30 days of receipt of impacts of 

the application and at least 60 days 

prior to public hearings by the State. 

Such notification must also include 

all information relevant to the 

anticipated impacts on visibility. 

Replaces Page: 15-4	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

- October 20, 2011 Page: 4 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (4)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Federal Requirement (cant.) 

(a)(2) - Where the state requires or 

.receives advance notification of a 

permit application. The state must 

notify all affected FLMs and receive 

comments within 30 days following 

the Department's preliminary 

determination as per ARM 

17.8.759(4). 

(a)(3) - Provide consideration for any 

analysis performed by the FLM 

which addresses the facility's impact 

of visibility on the Class I area. 

Where the state finds that the FLM 

analysis does not demonstrate (to 

the satisfaction of the State) an 

adverse impact, the State must, in 

the notice of public hearing, either 

explain its decision or give notice as 

to where the explanation can be 

obtained. 

Montana Response. (cant.) 

the proposed source which will be 

forwarded to the FLM for comment. 

Montana statutes and rules do not 

provide enough time for a public 

hearing except for those cases 

where an environmental impact 

statement is required or if the facility 

falls under review of the Major 

Facility Siting Act. The 60-day 

hearing notification will be 

implemented where possible. 

Advanced notification to the FLM is 

required by ARM 17.8.1108 (2) and 

17.8.760(2). Both rules comply with 

the 30-day requirement. 

The requirement for the Department 

to consider any analysis of the FLM 

is addressed in ARM 17.8.1109. 

This section allows the FLM to 

present to the Department a 

demonstration that the emissions 

may cause or contribute to 

significant impairment. If the 

Department agrees, the permit will 

not be granted. If the Department 

does not agree that an adverse 

impact will result, Montana statutory 

restrictions, make it impossible to 

formally give notice of the 

Department's explanation of the 

decision prior to a public hearing 

since none is usually provided. 

Replaces Page: 15-5 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20, 2011 Page: 5 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (5)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

Federal Requirement (cont.) Montana Response (cont.) 

(b)(I) - Provide for the review of any 

new major stationary source or 

modification which may have an 

impact upon any integral vista. 

(b)(2) - Provide for the review of any 

major stationary source or 

modification that proposes to locate 

in any area classified as 

nonattainment. 

The notification to the FLM of the 

preliminary determination is provided 

for in ARM 17.8.759(4): however, 

compliance with this notification 

requirement may be obtained prior to 

the Department's final decision. In 

order to comply with a Department 

decision contrary to the FLM, ARM 

17.8.1109 requires a notification to 

the FLM within five days of the 

permit decision. This would allow for 

an appeal of the Department's 

decision before the Board. 

This provision is not addressed in 

the SIP at this time. This omission 

was a part of the settlement 

agreement with EDA and EDF. - This requirement is addressed in 

ARM 17.8.1103. This rule clearly 

states that the visibility requirements 

apply to all major stationary sources 

or major modifications located in any 

attainment, unclassified, or nonattainment area. 

Replaces Page: 15-6 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20, 2011 Page: 6 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (6)
 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

Federal Requirement (cont.) 

(c) - Provide for review of any major 

stationary source or major 

modification in accordance with 40 

CFR -51.24(0), (p)(1)-(2), and (q). In 

making such a review, the state must 

ensure the source's emissions will be 

consistent with making progress 

toward the national visibility goal. 

The state may take into account the 

cost of compliance, the time 

necessary for compliance, the 

energy and non-air quality 

environmental impacts of 

compliance, and the useful life of the 

source. 

(d) The State may require monitoring 

of visibility in any Federal Class I 

area near the proposed new major 

modification for such purposes and 

by such means as the State deems 

necessary and appropriate. 

Montana Response. (cont.) 

Review of any major stationary 

source or major modification shall be 

conducted in accordance with the 

requirements provided in 40 CFR 

51.24(0), (p)(1)-(2), and (q) by virtue 

of Montana's approved PSD program 

(ARM17.8.801 et. seq), ARM 

17.8.1111, ARM 17.8.759, and ARM 

17.8.1106. Consistency with the 

national goal is assured through 

ARM 17.8.752 (BACT) and ARM 

17.8.749. 

BACT is required on all permitted 

sources within Montana which allows 

the Department to take into account 

those non-air quality values 

described in Paragraph (c). ARM 

17.8.749 allows conditions to be 

placed on the permit and states that 

no permit may be granted any 

source that is not expected to 

comply with all state and federal 

regulations. 

ARM 17.8.1110 provides the 

Department with authority to require 

both pre and post construction 

monitoring. 

Replaces Page: 15-7 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20, 2011 Page: 7 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (7)
 
--

Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

SMOKE MANAGEMENT 

The Department considers smoke management techniques for agriculture and 

forestry management burning purposes as set forth in 40 CFR Part 

51.308(d)(3)(v)(E). The Department considers the visibility impact of smoke 

when developing, issuing, or conditioning permits and when making dispersion 

forecast recommendations through the implementation of Title 17, Chapter 8, 

subchapter 6, ARM, Open Burning. 

PLAN REVIEW 

The Department, in consultation with FLMs, will periodically review and may 

modify this Plan for the purpose of assessing progress toward meeting the 

national goal of visibility protection. 

End of Document
 

F:\CB7306\Word\VISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIP\MT_Visibility-SIP_Final.Doc
 

Replaces Page: 15-8 Dated: May 20, 1985 

October 20,2011 Page: 8 of 8
 

Page 9.6. (8)
 
Explanation of Proposed Action 

Revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan 

- for the ­

Incorporation into the State Implementation Plan 

October 20, 2011 

Introduction 

The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is proposing to revise the 

Montana Visibility Plan (Plan). The current Plan addresses visibility protection 

control measures involving the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of 

air pollution and visibility monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The 

proposed revision includes a reference to BACT as the current visibility mitigation 

measure for open burning administered through the Department's open burning 

permit program. Additional non-substantive revisions include administrative 

updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar / punctuation edits. 

Background 

In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated revisions to its 

visibility protection rules found in 40 CFR 51.301 et seq ("Regional Haze Rule" or 

"RHR"). These revisions included requirements for additional visibility protection 

in and near mandatory federal class I areas from anthropogenic sources resulting 

in regional haze. Montana is subject to the RHR requirements in 40 CFR 51.308. 

However, in 2006, the Department decided not to fulfill the RHR requirements. 

As such, EPA is developing Montana's visibility protection plan for regional haze 

as a federal implementation plan (FIP). 

The Department agreed to assist EPA with explaining the current state visibility 

protection strategy regarding smoke from major and minor open burning sources. 

The Department believes additional rulemaking is unnecessary because visibility 

protection is currently being afforded through the existing open burning permit 

program in ARM 17.8.601, et seq. The text below explains the regulatory 

infrastructure that supports the Department's proposed action. 

Explanation 

The Department administers the open burning rules set forth in ARM 17.8.601, et 

seq. The Board of Environmental Review (BER) originally adopted these rules in 

1982 for the purpose of regulating smoke emissions (including fine particles) 

from major sources of open burning. Major sources of smoke are typically 

defined as large forest land owners/managers such as the state and federal 

governments and large timber companies. No agricultural land owners currently 

are subject to open burning permit rules. 

- 1 ­
The core provision of the open burning regulations is the definition of Best 

Available Control Techniques (BACT) found at 17.8.601(1). BACT is an 

established set of open burning techniques and methods that is intended to limit 

emissions to protect the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NMQS) and 

impairment of visibility from smoke particulates. BACT applies to both major and 

minor sources of open burning. 

Sources meeting the definition of a major open burner are issued an annual 

permit outlining the requirements of BACT. Sources not meeting the definition of 

a major open burner are considered minor open burners. Minor open burners 

may include sources such as landfills, trade waste burners, emergency 

operations, commercial film activities, fire fighter training activities, etc. The 

Department regulates minor open burners, in part, through the operation of a 1­

800 open burning hotline that is updated as necessary to minimize smoke 

particulates and avoid smoke impacts in and near class I federal areas. 

Specifically, BACT sets forth techniques and methods for controlling 

anthropogenic sources of emissions by minimizing smoke production and 

avoiding smoke impacts(17.8.601 (a)(i)-(x)). BACT requires, in part, using ignition 

and burning techniques that increase combustion and reduce smoke emissions. 

BACT also requires using emission avoidance techniques such as burning when 

ventilation conditions are optimal. 

The Department issues burning restrictions in the fall season (September, 

October, and November) when ventilation conditions make it difficult to achieve 

BACT. This action, in part, protects visibility during the twenty percent worst 

(poorest visibility) days of the year in Class I federal areas. Additionally, in winter 

season (December, January, and February), the Department provides case-bycase conditional approval for open burning that also provides for visibility 

protection in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. The twenty 

percent best (greatest visibility) days of the year are protected through the BACT 

techniques and methods that minimize emission and capitalize on atmospheric 

dispersion techniques in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. 

Compliance with BACT is the responsibility of those conducting the open burning 

beginning at ignition and remaining throughout the duration of the burn. 

Therefore, smoke emissions must always be minimized and adequately 

dispersed for the protection of air quality and visibility. Individuals not in 

compliance with BACT may be subject to enforcement actions as outlined in 

ARM 17.8.601 et seq. 

END OF DOCUMENT
 

F:\CB7306\Word\VISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIP\Explanation Final.Docx
 

- 2 ­
NO PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE SIP NOTICE FOR 

THE CHANGES IN THE MONTANA VISIBILITY PLAN. HOWEVER, THIS 

MAY HAVE RESULTED FROM ACCIDENTALLY HAVING BOTH THE START 

AND END DATE OF THE COMMENT PERIOD AS OCTOBER 20, 2011 

Oline Barta Date 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the 

proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the 

Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is re-noticing these documents 

(unaltered) due to an administrative error discovered during the first public notice process. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the 

issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of 

mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility mitigation measure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. Additional nonsubstantive Plan revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and 

grammar / punctuation edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a request 

for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time for that hearing 

will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 

interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. Persons 

needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the accommodation 

needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone 

(406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email obarta@mt.gov. 

6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in 

writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, 

Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. 

January 2,2012. 
Barta, Oline 

From:	 Oline Barta [obarta@mtgov] ,~.	 Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 10:35 AM 

To: Barta, Oline 

SUbject: MT-DEQ Request for Public Comment 

DATE:	 December 2,2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality
 

Air Resources Management Bureau
 

RE:	 Public Comment on SIP Submission 

PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

The Department of Environmental Quality is inviting public comment on the proposed submission of revisions to the 

Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is renoticing these documents (unaltered) due to an administrative error discovered during the first public notice process. 

Interested persons may view the public notice, The Montana Visibility Plan, and an explanation of changes on the 

Department's website at: http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. January 2, 2012. 

1 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

Email Address 

2horses@nemontel.net 

Sfriendlyfish@bresnan.net 

Abbie.Krebsbach@mdu.com 

aclark27@bloomberg.net 

adam.poll@tetratech.com 

afanderson@fs.fed.us 

ahedges@meic.org 

ahenolson@trinityconsultants.com 

alexanderrr@cdm.com 

allen@allen-associatesmt.com 

altmannscott@yahoo.com 

andrea.perez@hexion.com 

apack@aIl4inc.com 

astecpermits@gmail.com 

aussie_northcott@hotmail.com 

azzie_301@hotmail.com 

barrettmaureen@stanleygroup.com 

bayxie@aol.com 

bdhohn@hohneng.com 

bdundas@truecos.com 

beamman60S6@msn.com 

benjamin.recker@tetratech.com 

berrysoup@yahoo.com 

beth_dickerson@fws.gov 

bettylu@blackfoot.net 

bhabeck@mt.gov 

bholland@crowleylaw.com 

bjohnson@summite.com 

blaise.leblanc@hotmail.com 

blakecrk@gmail.com 

bm I@stateside.com 

bmontgomery@montana-wcc.com 

bob.vantuyl@ashgrove.com 

boschleicher@mt.gov 

bret@bison-eng.com 

brian.mchugh@tetratech.com 

brian.zieske@malmstrom.af.mil 

brianna@c1arkfork.org 

brinda@serafinatechnical.com 

brogers@newfield.com 

Bruce.Krepley@naes.com 

bschmidt@co.missoula.mt.us 

bsoamj@3rivers.net 

BSquires@nicnd.com 

Bstevenson@rosipower.com 

bsublasky@emsl.com 

Full Name 

Debbie Madison 

Jack & Pamela Emard 

Abbie Krebsbach 

Aaron Clark 

Adam Poll 

Anna Anderson 

Anne Hedges 

Anna Henolson 

Bob Alexander 

Don Allen 

Scott Altmann 

Andrea 

Amy Pack 

Catherine 

robert 

k 

Maureen 

eddy 

Brian Hohn 

Bob Dundas 

Anderson 

Ben Recker 

bonita 

beth dickerson 

Jim Young 

Bob Habeck 

B. Holland 

Bruce Johnson 

Krista Evans 

Becky Lukaesko 

Bob Montgomery 

Bob Vantuyl 

Bob Schleicher 

Bret Gallo 

Brian McHugh 

Brian Zieske 

Brianna Randall 

Brinda Ramanathan 

Brad Rogers 

Bruce Krepley 

Ben Schmidt 

Mary Jane McGarity 

Bruce Squires 

Bruce Stevenson YELP 

ben 

Page 1 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

bullorj@bp.com Robin Bullock 

burns.betsy@epa.gov Betsy Burns 

bvaughn@montana.com - c2nites2000@yahoo.com 

calvin.e.kidney@wellsfargo.com 

cartoonsma rt@mac.com 

cash1230@esaphaseone.com 

cathyl@bkbh.com 

cboe@mt.gov 

cefarms@tetonwireless.net 

cfla nders@nobleenergyinc.com 

cgernand@mt.gov 

chalbert@landauinc.com 

chenine.wozniak@ch2m.com 

chomer@mt.gov 

chuck@netentrust.com 

chuckp@cskt.org 

cindy_buschman@mccormick.com 

cindymed@hotmail.com 

c1aseur@plainsjustice·9rg 

c1colclasure@hollandhart.com 

cmhd@midrivers.com 

cmrcd@midrivers.com 

cnuno@billingsclinic.org 

coate.carson@epa.gov 

coolnickjr@hotmail.com 

coupscounter@yahoo.com 

cpowell@ltenv.com 

cranecreationsl@yahoo.com 

crose@3rivers.net 

d.keane@bresnan.net 

dan.corti@mso.umt.edu 

darrell.soyars@avistacorp.com 

daveduttonfraser@yahoo.com 

davew@kirkwoodcompanies.com 

david_long@eogresources.com 

dblank@ncpa.org 

dbusby@montanarefining.com 

dcowan@mt.gov 

dcquickdraw@gmail.com 

debbies_design@yahoo.com 

deborah.perry@oneok.com 

detroit03mm@yahoo.com 

dhart@c1eanair.com 

dhrubes@midrivers.com 

Barbara Vaughn 

Kermit Snow 

Calvin Kidney 

Buddy Rogers 

John Meyers 

Cathy Laughner 

Chris Boe 

Chad Dohney 

Catherine Flanders 

Candice Gernand 

Chip Halbert 

Chenine Wozniak 

Charles Homer 

chuck 

Chuck Page 

Cindy Buschman 

Cindy 

Carrie La Seur 

Chris Colclasure 

Mike Rinaldi 

Monty L. Sealey 

Crystal Nuno -. 

Carson Coate 

randy lahey 

David saylor 

Chad Powell 

Julia Crane 

Corrine Rose 

Senator Keane 

Dan Corti 

Darrell Soyars 

dave 

Dave 

David Long 

Danielle Blank 

Dexter Busby 

Devin Cowan 

Devin Cowan 

Debra Vetter 

Deborah Perry 

Mike 

Dean Hart 

David Hrubes -. 

diannalin@msn.com Dianna Lintner 

djohnsonhorne@barrick.com Deborah Johnson-Horne 

Page 2 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

dlambrecht@jbrenv.com 

dlorenzen@pioneer-technical.com 

dmunson@mt.gov 

dmyran@montana-wcc.com 

dolan.kathy@epa.gov 

donald.may@tetratech.com 

dpaulsen@ala-nr.org 

dpavuk@crowleylaw.com 

dpowers@summite.com 

drusoff@mt.gov 

dshonerd@multistate.com 

dsimonson@mt.gov 

dsimpson@montana-wcc.com 

dsoehren@bresnan.net 

dugiejm@hotmail.com 

dujohnson@mt.gov 

dvanhyningl@msn.com 

DVizzolini@collisionsync.com 

dwalsh@mt.gov 

dwolfe@mt.gov 

ed@mt.net 

edmadler@hotmail.com 

edward.hookl@montana.edu 

eemc@bresnan.net 

eisele.adam@epa.gov 

elbrunner@gmail.com 

eleigh@libby.org 

emcrae@fageninc.com 

emerchant@mt.gov 

emilieboyles@yahoo.com 

eric.detmer@c1dpk.com 

esa@platts.com 

fcrowley@doneylaw.com 

finanzaspersonales@adinet.com.uy 

fotto@ups.com 

frank@shumaker.psemail.com 

gaila_consulting@msn.com 

gamefreak1261@yahoo.com 

gcm@sierraresearch.com 

geraldschlosser@benefis.org 

gjg@ecocion.com 

gmcgann@co.carbon.mt.us 

Greg.brown@chsinc.com 

grey_nicolls@hotmail.com 

grodway@bison-eng.com 

guy@axmen.com 

hbedbury@montanarefining.com 

David Lambrecht 

Diane Lorenzen 

Darren Munson 

Darrel Myran 

Don May 

Dick Paulsen 

D. Pavuk 

Dan Powers 

Dave Rusoff 

David Shonerd 

Dave Simonson 

Dave Simpson 

Doug Soehren 

Jeff 

Dusti 

Dyrck Van Hyning 

Dana Vizzolini 

Dan Walsh 

Deb Wolfe 

Ed Santos 

Edward Madler - APCAC 

ej hook 

Dave Wang 

Adam Eisele 

Erica Brunner 

Erik Leigh 

Edward McRae 

Eric Merchant 

emilie boyles 

Eric Detmer 

Esa 

Frank Crowley 

Astragala 

Friedheim Otto 

frank 

Gail Abercrombie 

gamefreak 

Gabe McAuliffe 

Gerald Schlosser 

Gary Gates 

Gregory McGann 

Greg Brown 

robert 

Grant Rodway 

guy hanson 

Hadley Bedbury 

Page 3 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

hbruner@mt.gov 

hestmark.martin@epa.gov 

hhsgreengroup@gmail.com 

hkaiser@hydrometrics.com 

hpeterson@mtech.edu 

hrash@mt.gov 

hrobbins@bison-eng.com 

hthigpen@mt.gov 

info@kakuk.com 

info@lion.com 

info@northernplains.org 

Jackie.Flikkema@Kniferiver.com 

jackross@nemontel.net 

Jagadeesan.5ethuraman@whiting.com 

jahughes@mt.gov 

jajehn@marathonoil.com 

jake.weirich@edaw.com 

jakenny@mt.gov 

james.makowecki@taqa.ca 

jamie.christopher@aecom.com 

jamiew@slservices.net 

javid@mod2.com 

jcarlin@mt.gov 

jcarlson@co.missoula.mt.us 

jchaffee@bison-eng.com 

jdorris@mt.gov 

jean.semborski@conocophillips.com 

jeannehallesy@yahoo.com 

jeff.briggs@ashgrove.com 

jeff@ajaxcomputernetworking.com 

Jenna_k_02@hotmail.com 

jennifer.cinq-mars@ang.af.mil 

jennifergoldman@ogap.org 

jenomara@mt.gov 

jerry.dismukes@whiting.com 

jfdowns@babcock.com 

jford2@mt.gov 

Jiakun.Zhang@stjude.org 

jilesejibril@yahoo.com 

jill.linn@wbip.com 

jjones@bwenergylaw.com 

jmariepatrick@3rivers.net 

JMBlanco@marathonpetroleum.com 

jmerkel@mt.gov 

Heidy Bruner 

Martin Hestmark 

HHS Green Group 

Heidi Kaiser 

Holly Peterson 

Hoby Rash 

Hal Robbins 

Helen Thigpen 

Michael Kakuk 

Lion Technologies 

Northern Plains Resource Council 

Jackie Flikkema 

Jack Ross 

Jagadeesan Sethuraman 

Jim Hughes 

John Jehn 

Jake Weiriich 

Jake Kenny 

James Makowecki 

Jamie Christopher 

Jamie Whiteman 

Javid Nia 

Jim Carlin 

Jim Carlson 

Jeff Chaffee 

Joshua Dorris 

Jean Semborski 

Jeanne 

Jeff Briggs 

Jeff 

Jenna Loring 

Jen 

Jennifer Goldman 

Jenny O'Mara 

Jerry Dismukes 

John Downs 

McCloud (Joe) Ford 

Jiakun Zhang 

Jilese 

Jill Linn 

julia jones 

June Patrick 

Julius Blanco 

Julie Merkel 

jmparker@pplweb.com Jim Parker -


Joe@shumaker.psemail.com Joe Aline 

JOELKelm@msn.com Joel Kelm 

Page 4 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2,2011 

John@SenatorJohn.net 

johnJei@ibew.org 

john_mcmichael@xtoenergy.com 

jon.madison@mdu.com 

jonnysanty@gmail.com 

joseph.w.lierow@exxonmobil.com 

josephfdepaz@yahoo.com 

joshua.jua@riverstonehealth.org 

joystevensl@bresnan.net 

jrussell@flathead.mt.gov 

jscott@cherrycreekradio.com 

jugorowski@mt.gov 

jwaIsh@wayzpartners.com 

Kalle.Kuether@mdu.com 

karen@netentrust.com 

kdavid@flathead.mt.gov 

kenre@comcast.net 

kgehret@perkinscoie.com 

khooper@libby.org 

kirsty_gilmour@hotmail.com 

kmoore@co.lewis-clark.mt.us 

korr@mt.gov 

krandall@fvcc.edu 

ksolberg@anacondadeerlodge.mt.gov 

ktooke@enerplus.com 

kwalsh@enviroconsult.com 

larry@montanasulphur.com 

Iclark@fs.fed.us 

leah.bennett@rocketmail.com 

lee@prrlaw.com 

lepodal@yahoo.com 

Ihendley@co.lewis-c1ark.mt.us 

library@crowleylaw.com 

lindsay.spurlock@imerys.com 

lisasandoval@contres.com 

Ikambham@trinityconsultants.com 

lIoken@wpcnd.com 

Imoody@all-llc.com 

Imoral@trinityconsultants.com 

Inguyen@trinityconsultants.com 

lonnie.fallin@jacobs.com 

Loraderm@gmail.com 

Ipeterson@mt.gov 

Istuder@stmaryland.com 

Iweeks@nemont.net 

Izanto@mt.gov 

macka_maka@hotmail.com 

John Brueggman 

John Lei - APCAC 

John McMichael 

Jon madison 

Jonny Santy 

Joe Lierow 

Joseph F. de Paz 

Joshua 

Joy Stevens 

Joe Russell 

Jay Scott 

Joe Ugorowski 

John Walsh 

Kalle Kuether 

karen 

Kelly David 

Kenneth Reeves 

Kate Gehret 

Kathy Hooper 

Kirsty Gilmour 

Kathy Moore 

Katherine Orr 

Katie Randall 

Karen Solberg 

Kirsti Tooke 

Kevin Walsh 

Larry Zink 

Lori Clark 

Leah Bennett 

Lee Bruner 

Debbie Lepo 

L Hendley 

Crowley Law 

Lindsay Spurlock 

Lisa Sandoval 

Latha kambham 

Lance Loken 

Lee Moody 

Lani Moral 

Linda Nguyen 

Lonnie Fallin 

Lora Behlmer 

Lisa Peterson 

luke 

Linda Weeks 

Lynn Zanto 

robert 

Page 5 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

macwilly66@msn.com Representative McChesney 

marcellama@cskt.org Marcella Mahseelah 

Margaret.Zebley@aecom.com - margaret@montanasulphur.com 

marilyn.tap@riverstonehealth.org 

mark.lin@gmail.com 

mark@aspence.net 

markschaffer57@hotmail.com 

mary.blel@chsinc.com 

mbarton@co.missoula.mt.us 

mbasta@greatfallsmt.net 

mbayne@abraxaslusk.com 

mbrown@ap.org 

mcferrins@mt.net 

mhillman@trinityconsultants.com 

mhoffman@jeffco.mt.gov 

michael.white@wbip.com 

Mike.Barnes@northwestern.com 

mike.simpson2009@gmail.com 

miosh_com@yahoo.com 

MitcheII.Leu@plumcreek.com 

mlct@mt.net 

montanabobcat@gmail.com 

mpa@montanapetroleum.org 

mpainter@cLmissoula.mt.us 

mpontiff@newfield.com 

mraile@montanarefining.com 

mrlambrecht@pplweb.com 

msanchez@samson.com 

msimonich@helenahar.com 

msthompson@barrick.com 

mtaudubon@mtaudubon.org 

muncie1929@itstriangle.com 

mWignot@hydrometrics.com 

nancy_grosulak@xtoenergy.com 

nickgeranios4317@msn.com 

nturnbull2@gmail.com 

obarta@mt.gov 

omar_232@cOde.net 

owen.weber@umontana.edu 

parker-christensen.victoria@epa.gov 

Pat.kimmet@chsinc.com 

pat@crowleyconsultants.com 

patels3@hotmail.com 

patty@johnsonlanematerials.com 

Margaret Zebley 

Margaret 

Marilyn Tapia 

Mark 

Mark C. Peterson 

mark schaffer 

Mary Blel 

Michael Barton 

Martin Basta 

Marc Bayne 

Matt Brown 

Felecity McFerrins 

Melissa Hillman 

Michael G. Hoffman II 

Mike White 

Mike Barnes 

Mike Simpson 

Ken Liston 

Mitchell Leu 

Alec Hansen 

Bob 

Dave Galt - Michael L. Painter 

Mike Pontiff 

Mike Raile 

Mark Lambrecht 

Matthew Sanchez 

Mark Simonich 

Mark Thompson 

Montana Audubon 

Muncie Morger 

Michael Wignot 

Nancy Grosulak 

Geranios Enterprises Inc 

Neil Turnbull 

Oline Barta 

Smith 

Owen Weber 

Victoria Parker-Christensen 

Pat Kimmet 

Pat Crowley 

patel 

Patty - pauldsherrpc@yahoo.com Paul 

pcollins@crowleylaw.com P. Collins 

Page 6 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

phippsangela@stanleygroup.com 

pjsimonich@pplweb.com 

pkukay@hotmail.com 

pmckenzie@stoltzelumber.com 

randall.j.richert@conocophillips.com 

rdriear@centurytel.net 

rebecca@bison-eng.com 

rebecca@northernplains.org 

reed.j.marton@conocophillips.com 

rfink@co.carbon.mt.us 

rgilson@cbmainc.com . 

rgilson@H2Eincorporated.com 

rgorka@slawsoncompanies.com 

rhughes@rmsmanagement.com 

Rick.Walsh@Northwestern.com 

rjeffrey@mt.gov 

rkenyon@cgrs.com 

roark@imt.net 

ron.hyatte@imerys.com 

ross.whelchel@northwestern.com 

rr@hayfam.com 

rsouthwick@gr-northern.com 

Runningelkcliff@aol.com 

russ.bos@riverstonehealth.org 

russb@ycchd.org 

ruthjensen@transcanada.com 

RWeimer@stillwatermining.com 

sabrina_rojas@hotmail.com 

sabskb@gmail.com 

sa ndy.burns@imerys.com 

sbassett@blm.gov 

sbombard@natlforests.org 

sbrown@aquionix.com 

Shannon.morgan@rosi-boise.com 

sharikayz@yahoo.com 

shatten@mt.gov 

sherry.bursey@anadarko.com 

shsullivan@westernsugar.com 

sjohnson@co.cascade.mt.us 

smason@hydrometrics.com 

smullins@industrialinfo.com 

snowakowski@mt.gov 

sobrien@oasisemission.com 

solsen@mt.gov 

srubino@sc.rr.com 

ssternberg@mt.gov 

Stacy.aguirre@wbip.com 

Angela Phipps 

Pete Simonich 

Paul Kukay 

Paul R. McKenzie 

Randall Richert 

Ralph Driear 

Rebecca 

Rebecca Fischer 

Reed J. Marton 

Rodney Fink 

Robert Gilson 

Robert Gilson 

Ray Gorka 

Rose Hughes 

Rick Walsh 

Robert Jeffrey 

Randy Kenyon 

Carol Lee-Roark 

Ron Hyatte 

Ross Whelchel 

C.E.Robertson 

Rich Southwick 

Running Elk 

Russ Boschee 

Russ Boschee 

Ruth Jensen 

Randy Weimer 

Sabrina 

Scott and Sheree Bombard 

Sandy Burns 

Susan Bassett 

Sheree Bombard 

Sean Brown 

Owen Orndorff -YELP 

Shari Kay 

Skye Hatten 

Sherry 

Shawn Sullivan 

Sandy Johnson 

Scott Mason 

Shane Mullins 

Sonja Nowakowski 

Shawna O'Brien 

Sandi Olsen 

srubino 

Stan Sternberg 

Stacy Aguirre 

Page 7 
Lyris Distribution List for Interested Parties - December 2, 2011 

stellaholt@live.com Stella 

stevew@bkbh.com Steve Wade 

susanalise@cox.net - swright@cfaluminum.com 

szehntner@mt.gov 

taylor@theoutlawpartners.com 

tbrown1937@bresnan.net 

tdzomba@fs.fed.us 

teverts@mt.gov 

thomas.pick@mt.usda.gov 

tiphlmiller@yahoo.com 

tjewett@NPCA.ORG 

tkircher@stillwatermining.com 

tmerrill@aquionix.com 

todd.mortag@ang.af.mil 

todd.rudolph@aecom.com 

todg@cordite.com 

tomdavis@wispwest.net 

townofalberton@blackfoot.net 

traciebuhl@fs.fed.us 

twidboom@barr.com 

victor.m.dugan@exxonmobil.com 

videtich.callie@epa.gov 

walkers@ci.billings.mt.us 

Wburget@peabodyenergy.com 

whitem@dawsoncountymail.com 

william.thompson@northwestern.com 

wjacobs@flathead.mt.gov 

wlneumiller@pplweb.com 

wlreYnolds@bresnan.net 

woodwardjj@cdm.com 

wwmercer@hollandhart.com 

yoonyoung.choi@mcdean.com 

Susan 

Steve Wright 

Steve Zehntner 

Taylor Anderson 

thomas brown 

Thomas Dzomba 

Todd Everts 

Thomas Pick 

Tiphanie Keefe 

Tony Jewett 

Tom Kircher 

Teresa Merrill 

Todd E. Mortag 

Todd 

Tod Glenn 

T. Davis 

Diane Jodsaas 

Tracie 

Tony Widboom 

Victor M. Dugan 

Callie Videtich 

Scott Walker 

Wanda Burgett 

Mike While 

Bill Thompson 

Wendee Jacobs 

Bill Neumiller 

William Reynolds 

Jesse Woodward 

bill mercer 

Yoonyoung Choi 

-,
 

Page 8 
Barta. Oline 

Distribution List Name: Interested Parties not on Lyris 

Members: 

Bud Clinch 

Carol Kenney· 

Cathy Atkins 

Cliff Runningelk 

Don Potts 

Don Powers 

Erik Suffridge 

John Sesso 

Lori Bocchino 

Mike Ellitt 

Mike Philbin 

Mikel Siemens 

R. Daniel 

Rick Larson 

Rick Stefanic 

Stephen T. Smith 

Tim Roark 

William Rogers 

mtcoal@aol.com 

carolsrainbow@aol.com 

cathy.atkins@rma.army.mil 

runningelkcliff@aol.com 

don.potts@cfc.umt.edu 

dpowers@bsb.mt.gov 

erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov 

jsesso@bsb.mtgov 

lbocch@wyo.gov 

plessie.ellitt@usmc.mil 

Mike_Philbin@blm.gov 

mikel@r1khydro.com 

rdaniel@rc.mt.gov 

ricklarson@bsb.mt.gov 

rick.stefanic@bia.gov 

stephentsmith@earthlink.net 

Tim.Roark@gallatin.mt.gov 

william.rogers@deq.idaho.gov 
Montana Department of - ENVIRONMENTALQUAU1Y	 Brian Schweitzer, Governor 

P.O. Box 200901 • Helena, MT 59620-0901 • (406) 444-2544 • www.deq.mt.gov 

DATE:	 December 2,2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality 

Air Resources Management Bureau 

RE:	 Public Comment on SIP Submission 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Montana Visibility Plan 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on 

the proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into 

the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is re-noticing these 

documents (unaltered) due to an administrative error discovered during the first public 

notice process. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving 

the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility 

monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a 

reference to Best Available Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility 

mitigation measure for open burning administered through the Department's open 

burning permit program. Additional non-substantive Plan revisions include 

administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar I punctuation 

edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a 

request for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time 

for that hearing will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting 

comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have 

copies made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability 

that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. 

Persons needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the 

accommodation needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, 

Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email 

"obarta@mt.gov." 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described 

above in writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 

p.m. January 2, 2012. 
STEPHEN BLANKENSHIP FORD 

925 L ST STE 390 

SACRAMENTO CA 95814 

. DALE COCKRELL 

CHRISTENSEN MOORE COCKRELL 

PO BOX 7370 

KALISPELL MT 59904-0370 

BARB DOWSKI 

REG MANAGER QWEST EH & S 

1855 SFLATIRON COURT 

BOULDER CO 80301 

JAMES FLANSBURG ALAN FRONBERG PEGGY FRUIT 

HAYS LODGE POLE SCHOOLS GLACIER ENGINEERING PC . TOWN OF BROADUS 

BOX 110 1241ST AVE SSTE 17 PO BOX 659 

HAYS MY 59527 GREAT FALLS MT 59401 BROADUS MT 59317 

JOHN GERHART 

PO BOX 283 

BELT MY 59412 

LYNN HILL 

MSE-HKM INC 

PO BOX 7010 

SHERIDAN WY 82801 

TAMMY JOHNSON 

ENVIRONOMICS INC 

POBOX 1026 

WHITEHALL MT 59759 

DICK JUNTUNEN BOB KELLY JERRY DKNUTSON 

RESOURCE MGMT ASSOCIATES INTERTEC WEST TECH SUPPLY & SERVICES 

259 MCCLELLAN CREEK RD 619 SW HIGGINS STE S POBOX 80711 

CLANCY MT 59634 MISSOULA MT 59803 BILLINGS MT 59108 

MICHAELJ LUCIANO JOHN MCKENNA WALTER L MCNUrr 

FARM HARVEST1NG OF EUREKA ETS INTERNATIONAL AG EQUIPMENT SALES 

PO BOX 1050 1401 MUNICIPAL RD NW 110 12TH AVE SW 

EUREKA MT 59917 ROANOKE VA 24012-1309 SIDNEY MT 59270 

JIM RAMAKER 

PO BOX 760 

CHOTEAU MT 59422 

FRED STEELE 

CSKT TRIBAL HEALTH 

BOX 880 

ST IGNATIUS MT 59865 

ULATAYLOR 

HC42 BOX 595 

BUSBY MT 59016 

NEIL TURNBULL 

POBOX404 

BROCKTON MT 59213 

GERALD WAGNER 

BLACKFEET TRIBAL 

PO BOX 2029 

BROWNING MT 59417 
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Public Comment Periods Page 1 of 4 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 

Home» Public Comment Periods 

Public Comment Periods 

By Subject or Program: 

~l Air Quality Permits
 

[gj Draft TMDL Reports
 

[gj Major Facility Siting (MFS)
 

IQ1 Water Quality Discharge Permits
 

[gj Nutrient Management Plans
 

The documents listed in the links above are not included in the list below. 

Download Acrobat Reader to view the pdf documents. 

Comment 

Site/Subject 

ARMB SIP Public Notice 

MT Visibility State Implementation 

Plan 

Explanation 

Little Blackfoot River Watershed 

TMDLs and Framework Water 

Quality Improvement Plan 

Appendix A 

Appendix B 

Appendix C 

Appendix D 

Appendix E 

Appendix F 

Appendix G 

Public Notice 

Period 

Ends 

IJanuary 2,

2012 

I I 

! 

1 

I! 

I

I 

December 

I 21, 2011 

I 

Lower Yellowstone River Nutrient 

Criteria Model 

! December 

! 31, 2011 

I 

I 

I 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx 

Document Send Comments To 

Location 

Montana
 I

Department of I Comments can be sent to:
 

Environmental 

Quality 

1520 E. 6th 

Avenue 

P.O. Box I 200901 

I Helena, MT 

59620 

I

i Montana 

I Department of 

I Environmental 

Quality 

1520 E. 6th 

Avenue 

P.O. Box
 

200901
 

Helena, MT
 

59620
 

I

I 

Montana 

Department of 

Environmental 

Quality 

1520 E. 6th 

Avenue 

I P.O. Box 

200901 

! 

Oline Barta
 

MT-DEQlARMB
 

PO Box 200901
 

Helena, MT 59620-0901
 

I Phone: (406) 444-0524 

TM DLcomments@mt.gov 

I Fax: (406)444-6836 

I 

lor 

I 

Mail to: Montana Department 

of Environmental Quality, PPA, 

1520 East 6th Ave., Helena, 

MT 59620 

I Electronically: 

http://comment.cwaic.mt.gov/ 

by clicking on the link 

associated with the 

Yellowstone River Nutrient 

Model 

12/2/2011
 
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Public Comment Periods Page 2 of4 

Helena, MT 

59620 lor 

December Montana
 

Public Notice of DEQ
 12, 2011 Department of 

Compliance with EPA Requirements Environmental 

Quality for Revised Air Quality Standards 

I

I 1520 E. 6th I

110 Infrastructure SIP Certification I Avenue

P.O. Box for Revised Lead Air Quality I 200901 Standards Helena, MT 

59620 

I
 

Finding of No Significant Impact
 November I Montana
 

and Environmental Assessment for
 Department of 

the Upper/Lower River Road Water 

30, 2011 

Environmental 

and Sewer District's Improvements Quality
 

to Service District No.4 Project
 1520 E. 6th 

Avenue 

P.O. Box 

200901 

Helena, MT ! 59620 I 

Montana
 

ARMB SIP Public Notice 20,2011
 

I October 

Department of 

Environmental 

MT Visibility State Implementation Quality
 

Plan
 1520 E. 6th 

Avenue 

Explanation P.O. Box
 

200901
 I Helena, MT
 

59620
 

I 

I 

I November I 

I Montana

ARMB Rule SIP Public Notice I 1, 2011 I Department of I Environmental 

Affected Rules in Subchapter 6 Quality 

1520 E. 6th 

\ 

ARM 17.8.763 I Avenue ! P.O. Box 

I 

Mail to: Montana Department 

of Environmental Quality, PPA, 

1520 East 6th Ave., Helena, 

MT 59620 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

MT-DEQlARMB 

PO Box 200901 

Helena, MT 59620-0901 

Phone: (406) 444-0524 

Gary J. Wiens P.E.
 

Montana Department of
 

Environmental Quality
 

1520 E. 6th Avenue
 

P.O. Box 200901 

I Helena, MT 59620 

Phone: (406)444-7838 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

, MT-DEQlARMB 

i PO Box 200901 

I Helena, MT 59620-0901 

Phone: (406) 444-0524 

I 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

MT-DEQ/ARMB

I PO Box 200901 

I

I Helena, MT 59620-0901 

I Phone: (406) 444-0524 200901 

Helena, MT 

59620 

Finding of No Significant Impact 

for Dry Prairie Rural Water 

Authority East Medicine Lake 

Pipelines and Package Pump 

August 26, 

2011 I

Marc Golz, P.E. 

Montana Department of 

I

I Environmental Quality 

I 1520 E. 6th Avenue 

I

! Montana 

I Department of 

Environmental 

Quality 

Station I 1520 E. 6th I P.O. Box 200901 

I Avenue I Helena, MT 59620 

P.O. Box II I 200901 

I IHelena, MT 

I . 59620 

I I Montana

Oil & Gas Rules Submission Public August 18, I Department of 

Notice 2011 I Environmental

Quality 

Demonstration Comments: 11520 I E. 6th 

Avenue 

Phone: (406)444-6770 

Comments can be sent to: 

Oline Barta 

MT-DEQ/ARMB 

PO Box 200901 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx 12/2/2011 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the 

proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the 

Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is re-noticing these documents 

(unaltered) due to an administrative error discovered during the first public notice process. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the 

issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of 

mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology or 'BACT as the current visibility mitigation me,asure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. Additional nonsubstantive Plan revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and 

grammar I punctuation edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a request 

for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time for that hearing 

will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deg.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 

interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. Persons 

needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the accommodation 

needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone 

(406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email obarta@mt.gov. 

6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in 

writing to the Department by 

•	 addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, Helena. 

Montana, 59620-0901; 

•	 faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

• sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. 

January 2, 2012. 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

9.6 MONTANA VISIBILITY PLAN
 

Replaces Page: 15-1 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 1 of 8 

Page 9.6. (1) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

.­ STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

INTRODUCTION 

This chapter of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) is designed to meet the 

visibility requirements set forth by Congress in amendments to the Federal Clean 

Air Act of 1977 (42 USC 7491). This Visibility Plan (Plan), however, is limited to 

the provisions set forth in 40 CFR 51.305 and 51.307, as noted in the settlement 

agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental 

Defense Fund (Environmental Defense Fund v. Ruckleshaus, No. C82-6850 

RPA), and 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(v)(E) pertaining to smoke management. The 

Plan is, therefore, divided into four general sections: (1) Ambient Monitoring 

Strategy, (2) New Source Review, (3) Smoke Management, and (4) Plan Review. 

The development of this Plan required coordination between the former Montana 

Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (Department) and the Federal 

Land Managers (FLM). As evidence to this process, the Department had 

numerous discussions with the National Park Service and the Forest Service. In 

addition, the FLMs were given the opportunity to review the New Source Review 

(NSR) visibility rules on two occasions prior to a Board of Health and 

Environmental Sciences (Board) hearing (August 1, 1984 and January 3, 1985). 

The FLMs were also given two opportunities to review the monitoring plan and a 

draft version of the SIP prior to a Board hearing (April 16, 1985 and June 4, 

1985). Comments by the FLMs were incorporated, where appropriate, in the 

final NSR requirements and monitoring plan. The hearing for the visibility rules 

occurred on May 17,1985 and again on July 19,1985. The hearing for the 

monitoring plan and SIP was on July 19, 1985. The FLMs were notified more 

than 30 days in advance of these hearing dates. 

AMBIENT MONITORING STRATEGY 

The requirements for the ambient monitoring strategy are published in 40 CFR 

51.305. The Department will comply with these requirements by implementing 

the following Plan Objectives: 

Replaces Page: 15-2 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 2 of 8 

Page 9.6. (2) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Plan Objectives 

The Department will implement the Plan in order to meet the objectives of 42 

USC 7491. Ambient monitoring shall be carried out in such a manner as to fulfill 

the following objectives: 

a.	 Determine existing impairment, if any, in mandatory Class I areas 

and the source(s) of impairment; 

b.	 Provide information for new source impact analyses; 

c.	 Determine actual effects on visibility from the operation of new 

sources; and 

d.	 Analyze visibility trends in order to evaluate progress toward 

meeting the national goal of visibility protection. 

The Department will implement the four tasks above by: 

1.	 Addressing and considering the need for visibility monitoring as part 

of its Annual Network Review process. FLMs will be given an 

opportunity to comment on the Annual Network Review before it 

becomes final. 

2.	 Considering participation with the FLMs to operate visibility 

monitoring stations and share data. 

3.	 Requesting from each FLM responsible for any Class I area copies 

of any and all past or existing programs designed to monitor or 

evaluate visibility. 

4.	 Requesting copies of all future visibility data gathered by each FLM 

noted in #1 above on an annual basis, including any analysis and 

interpretation of such data. 

5.	 Evaluating any data provided by FLMs in addition to any other data 

collected by the Department or any other appropriate source (such 

as proposed major stationary sources) as appropriate to assess 

Reasonable Further Progress requirements. 

Replaces Page: 15-3	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 3 of 8 

Page 9.6. (3) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan ­ AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

6.	 Requiring sources subject to the requirements of ARM 17.8.1110 to
 

conduct periodic visibility analyses using existing visibility data, if
 

available, or generating visibility data as a part of the permit
 

application.
 

NEW SOURCE REVIEW 

The Board adopted a number of rules designed to mitlgate the effects of 

emissions on visibility. A copy of the rules pertaining to the regulation of 

emissions for purposes of visibility are provided in the following section. 

Federal Requirement	 Montana Response 

40 CFR 51.307	 Notification to the FLMs is provided 

in ARM 17.8.760(2) and 17.8.1108. 

(a)(1) - Provide for written notification	 ARM 17.8.1108 requires notification 

of all affected Federal Land	 at the time the permit is submitted 

Managers (FLM) of any proposed	 while ARM 17.8.759(4) requires ­ new major stationary source or Major	 notification at the time of the 

modification that may affect visibility	 Department's preliminary 

in any Federal Class I area.	 determination. ARM 17.8.1106 

Notification must be made in writing	 requires an analysis of the visibility 

and be within 30 days of receipt of	 impacts of 

the application and at least 60 days 

prior to public hearings by the State. 

Such notification must also include 

all information relevant to the 

anticipated impacts on visibility. 

Replaces Page: 15-4	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 4 of 8 - Page 9.6. (4) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Federal Requirement (cont.) 

(a)(2) - Where the state requires or 

receives advance notification of a 

permit application. The state must 

notify all affected FLMs and receive 

comments within 30 days following 

the Department's preliminary 

determination as per ARM 

17.8.759(4). 

(a)(3) - Provide consideration for any 

analysis performed by the FLM 

which addresses the facility's impact 

of visibility on the Class I area. 

Where the state finds that the FLM 

analysis does not demonstrate (to 

the satisfaction of the State) an 

adverse impact, the State must, in 

the notice of public hearing, either 

explain its decision or give notice as 

to where the explanation can be 

obtained. 

Montana Response. (cont.) 

the proposed source which will be 

forwarded to the FLM for comment. 

Montana statutes and rules do not 

provide enough time for a public 

hearing except for those cases 

where an environmental impact 

statement is required or if the facility 

falls under review of the Major 

Facility Siting Act. The 60-day 

hearing notification will be 

implemented where possible. 

Advanced notification to the FLM is 

required by ARM 17.8.1108 (2) and 

17.8.760(2). Both rules comply with 

the 30-day requirement. 

The requirement for the Department 

to consider any analysis of the FLM 

is addressed in ARM 17.8.1109. 

This section allows the FLM to 

present to the Department a 

demonstration that the emissions 

may cause or contribute to 

significant impairment. If the 

Department agrees, the permit will 

not be granted. If the Department 

does not agree that an adverse 

impact will result, Montana statutory 

restrictions, make it impossible to 

formally give notice of the 

Department's explanation of the 

decision prior to a public hearing 

since none is usually provided. 

Replaces Page: 15-5 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 5 of 8 

Page 9.6. (5) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan - AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

Federal Requirement (cant.) 

(b)(I) - Provide for the review of any 

new major stationary source or 

modification which may have an 

impact upon any integral vista. 

(b)(2) - Provide for the review of any 

major stationary source or 

modification that proposes to locate 

in any area classified as 

nonattainment. 

Montana Response (cant.) 

The notification to the FLM of the 

preliminary determination is provided 

for in ARM 17.8.759(4): however, 

compliance with this notification 

requirement may be obtained prior to 

the Department's final decision. In 

order to comply with a Department 

decision contrary to the FLM, ARM 

17.8.1109 requ ires a notification to 

the FLM within five days of the 

permit decision. This would allow for 

an appeal of the Department's 

decision before the Board. 

This provision is not addressed in 

the SIP at this time. This omission 

was a part of the settlement 

agreement with EDA and EDF. 

This requirement is addressed in 

ARM 17.8.1103. This rule clearly 

states that the visibility requirements 

apply to all major stationary sources 

or major modifications located in any 

attainment, unclassified, or nonattainment area. 

Replaces Page: 15-6 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 6 of 8 - Page 9.6. (6) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Federal Requirement (cont.) 

(c) - Provide for review of any major 

stationary source or major 

modification in accordance with 40 

CFR -51.24(0), (p)(1 )-(2), and (q). In 

making such a review, the state must 

ensure the source's emissions will be 

consistent with making progress 

toward the national visibility goal. 

The state may take into account the 

cost of compliance, the time 

necessary for compliance, the 

energy and non-air quality 

environmental impacts of 

compliance, and the useful life of the 

source. 

(d) The State may require monitoring 

of visibility in any Federal Class I 

area near the proposed new major 

modification for such purposes and 

by such means as the State deems 

necessary and appropriate. 

Montana Response. (cont.) 

Review of any major stationary 

source or major modification shall be 

conducted in accordance with the 

requirements provided in 40 CFR 

51.24(0), (p)(1)-(2), and (q) by virtue 

of Montana's approved PSD program 

(ARM17.8.801 et. seq), ARM 

17.8.1111, ARM 17.8.759, and ARM 

17.8.1106. Consistency with the 

national goal is assured through 

ARM 17.8.752 (BACT) and ARM 

17.8.749. 

BACT is required on all permitted 

sources within Montana which allows 

the Department to take into account 

those non-air quality values 

described in Paragraph (c). ARM 

17.8.749 allows conditions to be 

placed on the permit and states that 

no permit may be granted any 

source that is not expected to 

comply with all state and federal 

regulations. 

ARM 17.8.1110 provides the 

Department with authority to require 

both pre and post construction 

monitoring. 

Replaces Page: 15-7 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 7 of 8 

Page 9.6. (7) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

SMOKE MANAGEMENT 

The Department considers smoke management techniques for agriculture and 

forestry management burning purposes as set forth in 40 CFR Part 

51.308(d)(3)(v)(E). The Department considers the visibility impact of smoke 

when developing, issuing, or conditioning permits and when making dispersion 

forecast recommendations through the implementation of Title 17, Chapter 8, 

subchapter 6, ARM, Open Burning. 

PLAN REVIEW 

The Department, in consultation with FLMs, will periodically review and may 

modify this Plan for the purpose of assessing progress toward meeting the 

national goal of visibility protection. 

End of Document
 

F:ICB7306IWordIVISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIPIMT_Visibility-SIPJinal.Doc
 

Replaces Page: 15-8 

December 2, 2011 

Dated: May 20, 1985 

Page: 8 of 8 -•.. 

Page 9.6. (8) 
Explanation of Proposed Action 

Revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan 

- for the ­

Incorporation into the State Implementation Plan 

December 2, 2011 

Introduction 

The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is proposing to revise the 

Montana Visibility Plan (Plan). The current Plan addresses visibility protection 

control measures involving the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of 

air pollution and visibility monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The 

proposed revision includes a reference to BACT as the current visibility mitigation 

measure for open burning administered through the Department's open burning 

permit program. Additional non-substantive revisions include administrative 

updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar / punctuation edits. 

Background 

In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated revisions to its 

visibility protection rules found in 40 CFR 51.301 et seq ("Regional Haze Rule" or 

"RHR"). These revisions included requirements for additional visibility protection 

in and near mandatory federal class I areas from anthropogenic sources resulting 

in regional haze. Montana is subject to the RHR requirements in 40 CFR 51.308. 

However, in 2006, the Department decided not to fulfill the RHR requirements. 

As such, EPA is developing Montana's visibility protection plan for regional haze 

as a federal implementation plan (FIP). 

The Department agreed to assist EPA with explaining the current state visibility 

protection strategy regarding smoke from major and minor open burning sources. 

The Department believes additional rulemaking is unnecessary because visibility 

protection is currently being afforded through the existing open burning permit 

program in ARM 17.8.601, et seq. The text below explains the regulatory 

infrastructure that supports the Department's proposed action. 

Explanation 

The Department administers the open burning rules set forth in ARM 17.8.601, et 

seq. The Board of Environmental Review (BER) originally adopted these rules in 

1982 for the purpose of regulating smoke emissions (including fine particles) 

from major sources of open burning. Major sources of smoke are typically 

defined as large forest land owners/managers such as the state and federal 

governments and large timber companies. No agricultural land owners currently 

are subject to open burning permit rules. 

- 1 ­
The core provision of the open burning regulations is the definition of Best 

Available Control Techniques (BACT) found at 17.8.601(1). BA9T is an 

established set of open burning techniques and methods that is intended to limit 

emissions to protect the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NMOS) and 

impairment of visibility from smoke particulates. BACT applies to both major and 

minor sources of open burning. 

Sources meeting the definition of a major open burner are issued an annual 

permit outlining the requirements of BACT. Sources not meeting the definition of 

a major open burner are considered minor open burners. Minor open burners 

may include sources such as landfills, trade waste burners, emergency 

operations, commercial film activities, fire fighter training activities, etc. The 

Department regulates minor open burners, in part, through the operation of a 1­

800 open burning hotline that is updated as necessary to minimize smoke 

particulates and avoid smoke impacts in and near class I federal areas. 

Specifically, BACT sets forth techniques and methods for controlling 

anthropogenic sources of emissions by minimizing smoke production and 

avoiding smoke impacts(17.8.601(a)(i)-(x)). BACT requires, in part, using ignition 

and burning techniques that increase combustion and reduce smoke emissions. 

BACT also requires using emission avoidance techniques such as burning when 

ventilation conditions are optimal. 

The Department issues burning restrictions in the fall season (September, 

October, and November) when ventilation conditions make it difficult to achieve 

BACT. This action, in part, protects visibility during the twenty percent worst 

(poorest visibility) days of the year in Class I federal areas. Additionally, in winter 

season (December, January, and February), the Department provides case-bycase conditional approval for open burning that also provides for visibility 

protection in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. The twenty 

percent best (greatest visibility) days of the year are protected through the BACT 

techniques and methods that minimize emission and capitalize on atmospheric 

dispersion techniques in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. 

Compliance with BACT is the responsibility of those conducting the open burning 

beginning at ignition and remaining throughout the duration of the burn. 

Therefore, smoke emissions must always be minimized and adequately 

dispersed for the protection of air quality and visibility. Individuals not in 

compliance with BACT may be subject to enforcement actions as outlined in 

ARM 17.8.601 et seq. 

END OF DOCUMENT
 

F:\CB7306\Word\VISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIP\Explanation Final.Docx
 

- 2­
James M Parker 

Manager - Compliance Services, Env. 

PPL Montana, LLC 

303 N. Broadway, Suite 400 

Billings, MT 59101 

Tel. 406.740.9998 Fax 406.237.6901 

jmparker@pplweb.com PPL MONTANATIl 

December 27, 2011 

By Electronic Mail 

Oline Barta 

1520 E. Sixth Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901 

Re: Request for Extension of Comment Period regarding proposed revisions to the 

Montana Visibility Plan 

Dear Ms. Barta: 

PPL Montana, LLC ("PPL Montana"), having a paItial ownership interest and being designated 

operator of the ColstLip Steam Electric Station in Colstrip, MT1

, and owner and operator of the 

J.E. Corette Steam Electric Station in Billings, MT, respectfully requests an extension, until 

January 17,2012, to the comment period for the Department of Environmental Quality's 

(Department's) proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan (plan) for 

incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP), which the Department renoticed on December 2, 2011. 

The cunent Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the issuance of 

permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of mandatory 

federal class I aI·eas. The proposed revision includes a reference to BACT as the current visibility 

mitigation measure for open burning administered through the Department's open burning 

permit program. Additional non-substantive revisions include administrative updates to rule 

citations, board affiliation, and grammar / punctuation edits. 

PPL Montana anticipates potentially significant impacts from visibility regulations and wishes to 

thoroughly review and provide meaningful input to regulatory proposals. We value the 

opportunity to comment on the Depal1ment's proposed revisions to the Plan. In order to 

complete our comments, we are requesting this ShOlt extension. Absences during the holiday 

season of key personnel have delayed internal review and finalization of our comments. 

Additionally, we would like the oppOltunity to incorporate any important points related to our 

I The other owners of the Colstrip Steam Electric Station (in different shares for Units 1 and 2 

and for Units 3 and 4), are NOlthWestern Corporation d/b/a NOlthWestern Energy, Puget Sound 

Energy, Inc. Portland General Electric Company, Avista Corporation, and PacifiCorp. 
upcoming discussion with the Depaltment, scheduled for January 4,2012, regarding ils ongoing 

involvement in Montana's regional haze program. 

PPL Montana thanks the Department for considering our request for a short extension of the 

comment period for its proposed Plan revision. Please contact me if you should have any 

questions. 

Cc Dave Klemp, Eric Merchant, Bob Habeck 
Barta, Oline 

From: Merchant, Eric 

Sent: Tuesday, December 27,2011 12:20 PM 

To: Barta,Oline 

Cc: Habeck, Bob; Klemp, Dave 

Subject: FW: Request for Extension of Comments Period - Proposed Submission of Revisions to 

Visibility Plan 

Attachments: Request for Cmt Period Extension MT Vis SIP.pdf 

Oline - Based on the request submitted by PPL Montana (see attached), the Department will extend the public 

comment period for incorporating Visibility Plan revisions into the SIP. The Public Notice currently on the Department's 

website at http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx will need to be modified using the language provided below. Also, the 

affected date contained on the "Comment Period Ends" column on the website will need to be updated to January 17, 

2012. Finally, we will need to electronically notify the interested parties list of the extended comment period, including 

the select group of interested parties by snail-mail. Thanks. MEM 

I)	 The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the proposed submission 

of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

The Department is extending the public comment period for the proposed SIP revisions through January 17,2012. 

The proposed SIP revisions were initially noticed for a 30-day public comment period on October 20, 2011. On 

December 2, 20 II, the Department re-noticed the proposed SIP revisions (unaltered) for a subsequent 30-day 

public comment period due to an administrative error discovered during the initial public notice process. In 

response to a request received on December 27,2011, the Department is hereby extending the public comment 

period for the proposed action (unaltered), as described above. 

6)	 Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in writing to the 

Department by 

addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; 

faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or sending them via email addressed to "obartaia)mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. January 17,2012. 

From: Parker, James M [mailto:jmparker@pplweb.com] 

sent: Tuesday, December 27, 201110:42 AM 

To: Barta, Oline 

Cc: Klemp, Dave; Merchant, Eric; Habeck, Bob 

Subject: Request for Extension of Comments Period - Proposed Submission of Revisions to Visibility Plan 

Attached please find an extension request, to January 17, 2012, of the comment period for the Department's proposed 

submission of revisions to Montana's Visibility Plan. We appreciate the Department's consideration of our request. 

Thank you and Happy New Year. 

Jim 

The information contained in this message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the 

recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for 

1 
delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and 

that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have 

received this communication in error, please notify us immediately, and delete the original message. 

2 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the 

proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the 

Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is extending the public comment 

period for the proposed SIP revisions through January 17, 2012. The proposed SIP revisions 

were initially noticed for a 30-day public comment period on October 20, 2011. On December 2, 

2011, the Department re-noticed the proposed SIP revisions (unaltered) for a subsequent 30­

day public comment period due to an administrative error discovered during the initial public 

notice process. In response to a request received on December 27,2011, the Department is 

hereby extending the public comment period for the proposed action (unaltered), as described 

above. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the 

issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of 

mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility mitigation measure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. Additional nonsubstantive Plan revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and 

grammar / punctuation edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a request 

for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time for that hearing 

will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 

interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. Persons 

needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the accommodation 

needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone 

(406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email obarta@mt.gov. 

6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in 

writing to the Department by addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 

200901, Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

sending them via email addressedto"obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. 

January 17, 2012. 
Barta,Oline 

From: Oline Barta [obarta@mt.gov] 

Sent: Tuesday, December 27,2011 1:48 PM 

To: Barta, Oline 

Subject: Public Comment Period for Visibility SIP Extended 

DATE:	 December 27,2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality 

Air Resources Management Bureau 

RE:	 Public Comment Period on SIP Submission Extended 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Montana Visibility Plan 

The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the proposed submission of 

revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The 

Department is extending the public comment period for the proposed SIP revisions through January 17,2012. The 

proposed SIP revisions were initially noticed for a 30-day public comment period on October 20,2011. On December 2, 

2011, the Department re-noticed the proposed SIP revisions (unaltered) for a subsequent 30-day public comment period 

.- iue to an administrative error discovered during the initial public notice process. In response to a request received on 

December 27,2011, the Department is hereby extending the public comment period for the proposed action (unaltered), 

as described above. 

Interested persons may view the public notice, The Montana Visibility Plan, and an explanation of changes on the 

Department's website at: http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. January 17,2012. 

1 
Email Address 

2horses@nemontel.net 

Sfriendlyfish@bresnan.net 

Abbie.Krebsbach@mdu.com 

aclark27@bloomberg.net 

adam.poll@tetratech.com 

afanderson@fs.fed.us 

ahedges@meic.org 

ahenolson@trinityconsultants.com 

alexanderrr@cdm.com 

allen@allen-associatesmt.com 

altmannscott@yahoo.com 

andrea. perez@hexion.com 

apack@aIl4inc.com 

astecpermits@gmail.com 

aussie_northcott@hotmail.com 

azzie_301@hotmail.com 

barrettmaureen@stanleygroup.com 

bayxie@aol.com 

bdhohn@hohneng.com 

bd undas@truecos.com 

beamman60S6@msn.com 

benjamin.recker@tetratech.com 

berrysoup@yahoo.com 

beth_dickerson@fws.gov 

bettylu@blackfoot.net 

bhabeck@mt.gov 

bholland@crowleylaw.com 

bjohnson@summite.com 

blaise.leblanc@hotmail.com 

blakecrk@gmail.com 

bml@stateside.com 

bmontgomery@montana-wcc.com 

bob.vantuyl@ashgrove.com 

boschleicher@mt.gov 

bret@bison-eng.com 

brian.mchugh@tetratech.com 

brian.zieske@malmstrom.af.mil 

brianna@c1arkfork.org 

brinda@serafinatechnical.com 

brogers@newfield.com 

Bruce.Krepley@naes.com 

bschmidt@co.missoula.mt.us 

bsoamj@3rivers.net 

BSquires@nicnd.com 

Bstevenson@rosipower.com 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

Name 

Debbie Madison 

Jack & Pamela Emard 

Abbie Krebsbach 

Aaron Clark 

Adam Poll 

Anna Anderson 

Anne Hedges 

Anna Henolson 

Bob Alexander 

Don Allen 

Scott Altmann 

Andrea 

Amy Pack 

Catherine 

robert 

k 

Maureen 

eddy 

Brian Hohn 

Bob Dundas 

Anderson 

Ben Recker 

bonita 

beth dickerson 

Jim Young 

Bob Habeck 

B.Holiand 

Bruce Johnson 

Blaise Leblanc 

Krista Evans 

Becky Lukaesko 

Bob Montgomery 

Bob Vantuyl 

Bob Schleicher 

Bret Gallo 

Brian McHugh 

Brian Zieske 

Brianna Randall 

Brinda Ramanathan 

Brad Rogers 

Bruce Krepley 

Ben Schmidt 

Mary Jane McGarity 

Bruce Squires 

Bruce Stevenson YELP 

1 
bsublasky@emsl.com 

bullorj@bp.com 

burns.betsy@epa.gov 

bva ughn@montana.com 

c2nites2000@yahoo.com 

calvin.e.kidney@wellsfargo.com 

ca rtoonsma rt@mac.com 

cash1230@esaphaseone.com 

cathyl@bkbh.com 

cboe@mt.gov 

cefarms@tetonwireless.net 

cflanders@nobleenergyinc.com 

cgernand@mt.gov 

chalbert@landauinc.com 

chenine.wozniak@ch2m.com 

chomer@mt.gov chowchowizclee@hotmail.com 

chuck@netentrust.com 

chuckp@cskt.org 

cindLbuschman@mccormick.com 

cindymed@hotmail.com 

c1aseur@plainsjustice.org 

c1colclasure@hollandhart.com 

cmhd@midrivers.com 

cmrcd@midrivers.com 

cnuno@billingsclinic.org 

coate.carson@epa.gov 

coolnickjr@hotmail.com 

coupscounter@yahoo.com 

cpowell@ltenv.com 

eranecreations1@yahoo.com 

crose@3rivers.net 

d.keane@bresnan.net 

dan.corti@mso.umt.edu 

darrell.soyars@avistacorp.com 

dave.olson@fidelityepco.com 

daveduttonfraser@yahoo.com 

davew@kirkwoodcompanies.com 

david_long@eogresources.com 

dblank@ncpa.org 

dbusby@montanarefining.com 

dcowan@mt.gov 

dcquickdraw@gmail.com 

debbies_design@yahoo.com 

deborah.perry@oneok.com 

detroit03mm@yahoo.com 

dhart@c1eanair.com 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

ben 

Robin Bullock 

Betsy Burns 

Barbara Vaughn 

Kermit Snow 

Calvin Kidney 

Buddy Rogers 

John Meyers 

Cathy Laughner 

Chris Boe 

Chad Dohney 

Catherine Flanders 

Candice Gernand 

Chip Halbert 

Chenine Wozniak 

Charles Homer 

Chelsea Lee 

chuck 

Chuck Page 

Cindy Buschman 

Cindy 

Carrie La Seur 

Chris Colclasure 

Mike Rinaldi 

Monty L. Sealey 

Crystal Nuno 

Carson Coate 

randy lahey 

David saylor 

Chad Powell 

Julia Crane 

Corrine Rose 

Senator Keane 

Dan Corti 

Darrell Soyars 

David Olson 

dave 

Dave 

David Long 

Danielle Blank 

Dexter Busby 

Devin Cowan 

Devin Cowan 

Debra Vetter 

Deborah Perry 

Mike 

Dean Hart 

2 

-


-

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

dhrubes@midrivers.com 

diannalin@msn.com 

djohnsonhorne@barrick.com 

dlambrecht@jbrenv.com 

dlorenzen@pioneer-technical.com 

dmunson@mt.gov 

dmyran@montana-wcc.com 

dolan.kathy@epa.gov 

donald.may@tetratech.com 

dpaulsen@ala-nr.org 

dpavuk@crowleylaw.com 

dpowers@summite.com 

drusoff@mt.gov 

dshonerd@multistate.com 

dsimonson@mt.gov 

dsimpson@montana-wcc.com 

dsoehren@bresnan.net 

dugiejm@hotmail.com 

dujohnson@mt.gov 

dvanhyning1@msn.com 

DVizzolini@collisionsync.com 

dwalsh@mt.gov 

dwolfe@mt.gov 

ed@mt.net 

edmadler@hotmail.com 

edward.hook1@montana.edu 

eemc@bresnan.net 

eisele.adam@epa.gov 

elbrunner@gmail.com 

eleigh@libby.org 

emcrae@fageninc.com 

emerchant@mt.gov 

emilieboyles@yahoo.com 

eric.detmer@c1dpk.com 

ericb@rfpco.com 

esa@platts.com 

fcrowley@doneylaw.com 

finanzaspersonales@adinet.com.uy 

fotto@ups.com 

frank@shumaker.psemail.com 

gaila_consulting@msn.com 

gamefreak1261@yahoo.com 

gcm@sierraresearch.com 

geraldschlosser@benefis.org 

gmcgann@co.carbon.mt.us 

Greg.brown@chsinc.com 

grodway@bison-eng.com 

12/27/11 MAILING 

David Hrubes 

Dianna Lintner 

Deborah Johnson-Horne 

David Lambrecht 

Diane Lorenzen 

Darren Munson 

Darrel Myran 

Kathy Dolan 

Don May 

Dick Paulsen 

D. Pavuk 

Dan Powers 

Dave Rusoff 

David Shonerd 

Dave Simonson 

Dave Simpson 

Doug Soehren 

Jeff 

Dusti 

Dyrck Van Hyning 

Dana Vizzolini 

Dan Walsh 

Deb Wolfe 

Ed Santos 

Edward Madler - APCAC 

ej hook 

Dave Wang 

Adam Eisele 

Erica Brunner 

Erik Leigh 

Edward McRae 

Eric Merchant 

emilie boyles 

Eric Detmer 

Eric Bornhorst 

Esa 

Frank Crowley 

Astragala 

Friedheim Otto 

frank 

Gail Abercrombie 

gamefreak 

Gabe McAuliffe 

Gerald Schlosser 

Gregory McGann 

Greg Brown 

Grant Rodway 

3
 
guy@axmen.com 

hbedbury@montanarefining.com 

hbruner@mt.gov 

hestmark.martin@epa.gov 

hhsgreengroup@gmail.com 

hkaiser@hydrometrics.com 

hpeterson@mtech.edu 

hrash@mt.gov 

hrobbins@bison-eng.com 

hthigpen@mt.gov 

info@kakuk.com 

info@lion.com 

info@northernplains.org 

Jackie.Flikkema@Kniferiver.com 

jackross@nemontel.net 

Jagadeesan.5ethuraman@whiting.com 

jahughes@mt.gov 

jajehn@marathonoil.com 

jake.weirich@edaw.com 

jakenny@mt.gov 

james.makowecki@taqa.ca 

jamie.christopher@aecom.com 

jamiew@slservices.net 

javid@mod2.com 

jcarlin@mt.gov 

jcarlson@co.missoula.mt.us 

jchaffee@bison-eng.com 

jdorris@mt.gov 

jean.semborski@conocophillips.com 

jeannehallesy@yahoo.com 

jeff.briggs@ashgrove.com 

jeff@ajaxcomputernetworking.com 

Jenna_k_02@hotmail.com 

jennifer.cinq-mars@ang.af.mil 

jennifergoldman@ogap.org 

jenomara@mt.gov 

jerry.dismukes@whiting.com 

jfdowns@babcock.com 

jford2@mt.gov 

Jiakun.Zhang@stjude.org 

jilesejibril@yahoo.com 

jill.linn@wbip.com 

jjones@bwenergylaw.com 

jmariepatrick@3rivers.net 

JMBlanco@marathonpetroleum.com 

jmerkel@mt.gov 

jmherbenson@msn.com 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

guy hanson 

Hadley Bedbury 

Heidy Bruner 

- Martin Hestmark 

HHS Green Group 

Heidi Kaiser 

Holly Peterson 

Hoby Rash 

Hal Robbins 

Helen Thigpen 

Michael Kakuk 

Lion Technologies 

Northern Plains Resource Council 

Jackie Flikkema 

Jack Ross 

Jagadeesan Sethuraman 

Jim Hughes 

John Jehn 

Jake Weiriich 

Jake Kenny 

James Makowecki 

Jamie Christopher 

Jamie Whiteman 

Javid Nia 

Jim Carlin 

Jim Carlson 

Jeff Chaffee 

Joshua Dorris 

Jean Semborski 

Jeanne 

Jeff Briggs 

Jeff 

Jenna Loring 

.len 

Jennifer Goldman 

Jenny O'Mara 

Jerry Dismukes 

John Downs 

McCloud (Joe) Ford 

Jiakun Zhang 

Jilese 

Jill Linn 

julia jones 

June Patrick 

Julius Blanco 

- Julie Merkel 

Jerry Herbenson 

4 
jmparker@pplweb.com 

Joe@shumaker.psemail.com 

John@SenatorJohn.net 

johnJei@ibew.org 

john_mcmichael@xtoenergy.com 

jon.madison@mdu.com 

jonnysanty@gmail.com 

joseph.w.lierow@exxonmobil.com 

josephfdepaz@yahoo.com 

joshua.jua@riverstonehealth.org 

joystevens1@bresnan.net 

jrussell@flathead.mt.gov 

jscott@cherrycreekradio.com 

jugorowski@mt.gov 

jwalsh@wayzpartners.com 

Kalle.Kuether@mdu.com 

karen@netentrust.com 

kdavid@flathead.mt.gov 

kenre@comcast.net 

kgehret@perkinscoie.com 

khooper@libby.org 

kirsty_gilmour@hotmail.com 

kmoore@co.lewis-clark.mt.us 

korr@mt.gov 

krandall@fvcc.edu 

ksolberg@anacondadeerlodge.mt.gov 

ktooke@enerplus.com 

kwalsh@enviroconsult.com 

larry@montanasulphur.com 

Iclark@fs.fed.us 

leah.bennett@rocketmail.com 

lee@prrlaw.com 

lepodaI@yahoo.com 

Ihendley@co.lewis-c1ark.mt.us 

library@crowleylaw.com 

lindsay.spurlock@imerys.com 

lisasandoval@contres.com 

Ikambham@trinityconsultants.com 

lIoken@wpcnd.com 

Imoody@all-llc.com 

Imoral@trinityconsultants.com 

Inguyen@trinityconsultants.com 

lonnie.fallin@jacobs.com 

Loraderm@gmail.com 

Ipeterson@mt.gov 

Istuder@stmaryland.com 

Iweeks@nemont.net 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

Jim Parker 

Joe Aline 

John Brueggman 

John Lei - APCAC 

John McMichael 

Jon madison 

Jonny Santy 

Joe Lierow 

Joseph F. de Paz 

Joshua 

Joy Stevens 

Joe Russell 

Jay Scott 

Joe Ugorowski 

John Walsh 

Kalle Kuether 

karen 

Kelly David 

Kenneth Reeves 

Kate Gehret 

Kathy Hooper 

Kirsty Gilmour 

Kathy Moore 

Katherine Orr 

Katie Randall 

Karen Solberg 

Kirsti Tooke 

Kevin Walsh 

Larry Zink 

Lori Clark 

Leah Bennett 

Lee Bruner 

Debbie Lepo 

L Hendley 

Crowley Law 

Lindsay Spurlock 

Lisa Sandoval 

Latha kambham 

Lance Loken 

Lee Moody 

Lani Moral 

Linda Nguyen 

Lonnie Fallin 

Lora Behlmer 

Lisa Peterson 

luke 

Linda Weeks 

5 
--

--

Iza nto@mt.gov 

macka_maka@hotmail.com 

macwilly66@msn.com 

marcellama@cskt.org 

Margaret.Zebley@aecom.com 

margaret@montanasulphur.com 

marilyn.tap@riverstonehealth.org 

mark.lin@gmail.com 

mark@aspence.net 

markschafferS7@hotmail.com 

mary.blel@chsinc.com 

mbarton@co.missoula.mt.us 

mbasta@greatfallsmt.net 

mbayne@abraxaslusk.com 

mbrown@ap.org 

mcferrins@mt.net 

mglenn@slawsoncompanies.com 

mhillman@trinityconsultants.com mhoffman@jeffco.mt.gov 

michael.white@wbip.com 

Mike.Barnes@northwestern.com 

mike.simpson2009@gmail.com 

miosh_com@yahoo.com 

Mitchell.Leu@plumcreek.com 

mlct@mt.net 

montanabobcat@gmail.com 

mpa@montanapetroleum.org 

mpainter@ci.missoula.mt.us 

mpontiff@newfield.com 

mraile@montanarefining.com 

mrlambrecht@pplweb.com 

msanchez@samson.com 

msimonich@helenahar.com 

msthompson@barrick.com 

mtaudubon@mtaudubon.org 

muncie1929@itstriangle.com 

mwignot@hydrometrics.com 

nancy_grosulak@xtoenergy.com 

nickgeranios4317@msn.com 

nturnbull2@gmail.com 

obarta@mt.gov 

omar_232@cOde.net 

owen.weber@umontana.edu 

parker-christensen.victoria@epa.gov 

Pat.kimmet@chsinc.com 

pat@crowleyconsultants.com 

patels3@hotmail.com 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

Lynn Zanto 

robert 

Representative McChesney 

Marcella Mahseelah 

Margaret Zebley 

Margaret 

Marilyn Tapia 

Mark 

Mark C. Peterson 

mark schaffer 

Mary Blel 

Michael Barton 

Martin Basta 

Marc Bayne 

Matt Brown 

Felecity McFerrins 

Matthew Glenn 

Melissa Hillman 

Michael G. Hoffman II 

Mike White 

Mike Barnes 

Mike Simpson 

Ken Liston 

Mitchell Leu 

Alec Hansen 

Bob 

Dave Galt 

Michael L. Painter 

Mike Pontiff 

Mike Raile 

Mark Lambrecht 

Matthew Sanchez 

Mark Simonich 

Mark Thompson 

Montana Audubon 

Muncie Morger 

Michael Wignot 

Nancy Grosulak 

Geranios Enterprises Inc 

Neil Turnbull 

Oline Barta 

Smith 

Owen Weber 

Victoria Parker-Christensen 

Pat 

Pat 

Crowley 

Kimmet 

- patel 

6 
patty@johnsonlanematerials.com 

pauldsherrpc@yahoo.com 

pcollins@crowleylaw.com 

phippsangela@stanleygroup.com 

pjsimonich@pplweb.com 

pkukay@hotmail.com 

pmckenzie@stoltzelumber.com 

randall.j.richert@conocophillips.com 

rdriear@centurytel.net 

rebecca@bison-eng.com 

rebecca@northernplains.org 

reed.j.marton@conocophillips.com 

rfink@co.carbon.mt.us 

rgilson@cbmainc.com 

rgilson@H2Eincorporated.com 

rgorka@slawsoncompanies.com 

rhughes@rmsmanagement.com 

Rick.Walsh@Northwestern.com 

rjeffrey@mt.gov 

rkenyon@cgrs.com 

roark@imt.net 

ron.hyatte@imerys.com 

ross.whelchel@northwestern.com 

rr@hayfam.com 

rsouthwick@gr-northern.com 

Runningelkcliff@aol.com 

russ.bos@riverstonehealth.org 

russb@ycchd.org 

ruthjensen@transcanada.com 

RWeimer@stillwatermining.com 

sabrina_rojas@hotmail.com 

sabskb@gmail.com 

sandy.burns@imerys.com 

sbassett@blm.gov 

sbombard@natlforests.org 

sbrown@aquionix.com 

Shannon.morgan@rosi-boise.com 

sharikayz@yahoo.com 

shatten@mt.gov 

sherry.bursey@anadarko.com 

shsullivan@westernsugar.com 

sjohnson@co.cascade.mt.us 

smason@hydrometrics.com 

smullins@industrialinfo.com 

snowa kowski@mt.gov 

sobrien@oasisemission.com 

solsen@mt.gov 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

Patty 

Paul 

P. Collins 

Angela Phipps 

Pete Simonich 

Paul Kukay 

Paul R. McKenzie 

Randall Richert 

Ralph Driear 

Rebecca 

Rebecca Fischer 

Reed J. Marton 

Rodney Fink 

Robert Gilson 

Robert Gilson 

Ray Gorka 

Rose Hughes 

Rick Walsh 

Robert Jeffrey 

Randy Kenyon 

Carol Lee-Roark 

Ron Hyatte 

Ross Whelchel 

C.E.Robertson 

Rich Southwick 

Running Elk 

Russ Boschee 

Russ Boschee 

Ruth Jensen 

Randy Weimer 

Sabrina 

Scott and Sheree Bombard 

Sandy Burns 

Susan Bassett 

Sheree Bombard 

Sean Brown 

Owen Orndorff -YELP 

Shari Kay 

Skye Hatten 

Sherry 

Shawn Sullivan 

Sandy Johnson 

Scott Mason 

Shane Mullins 

Sonja Nowakowski 

Shawna O'Brien 

Sandi Olsen 

7 
srubino@sc.rr.com 

sstern berg@mt.gov 

Stacy.aguirre@wbip.com 

stellaholt@live.com 

stevew@bkbh.com 

susa nalise@cox.net 

swright@cfaluminum.com 

szehntner@mt.gov 

taylor@theoutlawpartners.com 

tbrown1937@bresnan.net 

tdzomba@fs.fed.us 

teverts@mt.gov 

thomas.pick@mt.usda.gov 

tiphlmiller@yahoo.com 

tjewett@NPCA.ORG 

tjlkmd@gmail.com 

tkircher@stillwatermining.com 

tmerrill@aquionix.com 

todd.mortag@ang.af.mil 

todd.rudolph@aecom.com 

todg@cordite.com 

tomdavis@wispwest.net 

townofalberton@blackfoot.net 

traciebuhl@fs.fed.us 

twidboom@barr.com 

victor.m.dugan@exxonmobil.com 

videtich.callie@epa.gov 

walkers@cLbillings.mt.us 

Wburget@peabodyenergy.com 

whitem@dawsoncountymail.com 

william.thompson@northwestern.com 

wjacobs@flathead.mt.gov 

wlneumiller@pplweb.com 

wlreynolds@bresnan.net 

woodwardjj@cdm.com 

wwmercer@hollandhart.com 

yoonyoung.choi@mcdean.com 

AIR INTERESTED PARTIES 

12/27/11 MAILING 

srubino 

Stan Sternberg 

Stacy Aguirre 

Stella 

Steve Wade 

Susan 

Steve Wright 

Steve Zehntner 

Taylor Anderson 

thomas brown 

Thomas Dzomba 

Todd Everts 

Thomas Pick 

Tiphanie Keefe 

Tony Jewett 

Kathy Drudick 

Tom Kircher 

Teresa Merrill 

Todd E. Mortag 

Todd 

Tod Glenn 

T. Davis 

Diane Jodsaas 

Tracie 

Tony Wid boom 

Victor M. Dugan 

Callie Videtich 

Scott Walker 

Wanda Burgett 

Mike While 

Bill Thompson 

Wendee Jacobs 

Bill Neumiller 

William Reynolds 

Jesse Woodward 

bill mercer 

Yoonyoung Choi 

-


-


8
 
Barta. Oline 

Distribution List Name: Interested Parties not on Lyris 

Members: 

Bud Clinch 

Carol Kenney 

Cathy Atkins 

Cliff Runningelk 

Don Potts 

Don Powers 

Erik Suffridge 

John Sesso 

Lori Bocchino 

Mike Ellitt 

Mike Philbin 

Mikel Siemens 

R. Daniel 

Rick Larson 

Rick Stefanic 

Stephen T. Smith 

Tim Roark 

William Rogers 

mtcoal@aol.com 

carolsrainbow@aol.com 

cathy.atkins@rrna.arrny.mil 

runningelkcliff@aol.com 

don.potts@cfc.umt.edu 

dpowers@bsb.mt.gov 

erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov 

jsesso@bsb.mlgov 

Ibocch@wyo.gov 

plessie.elJitt@usmc.mil 

Mike_Philbin@blm.gov 

mikel@rlkhydro.com 

rdaniel@rc.mlgov 

ricklarson@bsb.mt.gov 

rick.stefanic@bia.gov 

stephentsmith@earthlink.net 

Tim. Roark@gallatin.mt.gov 

william.rogers@deq.idaho.gov 
ENVIRONMENTALQUllUTY Brian Schweitzer, Governor 

.-	 Montana Department of 

P.O. Box 200901 

DATE:	 December 27, 2011 

TO:	 Air Interested Parties 

FROM:	 Montana Department of Environmental Quality
 

Air Resources Management Bureau
 

RE:	 Public Comment Period on SIP Submission Extended 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Montana Visibility Plan 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the 

proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the 

Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is extending the public comment 

period for the proposed SIP revisions through January 17! 2012. The proposed SIP revisions 

were initially noticed for a 30-day public comment period on October 20, 2011. On December 2, 

2011, the Department re-noticed the proposed SIP revisions (unaltered) for a subsequent 30­

day public comment period due to an administrative error discovered during the initial public 

notice process. In response to a request received on December 27, 2011, the Department is 

hereby extending the public comment period for the proposed action (unaltered), as described 

above. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the 

issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of 

mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility mitigation measure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. Additional nonsubstantive Plan revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and 

grammar I punctuation edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a request 

for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time for that hearing 

will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 

interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. Persons 

needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the accommodation 

needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone 

(406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email obarta@mt.gov. 

Helena, MT 59620-0901 (406) 444-2544 www.deq.mt.gov 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in 

writing to the Department by addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 

200901, Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. 

January 17, 2012. 
. DALE COCKRELL BARB DOWSKI
 

STEPHEN BLANKENSHIP FORD CHRISTENSEN MOORE COCKRELL REG MANAGER QWEST EH & S 925 L 5T STE 390 PO BOX 7370 1855 SFLATIRON COURT SACRAMENTO CA 95814 .- KALISPELL MY 59904-0370 BOULDER CO 80301 

JAMES FLANSBURG ALAN FRONBERG PEGGY FRUIT 

HAYS LODGE POLE SCHOOLS GLACIER ENGINEERING PC . TOWN OF BROADUS 

BOX 110 1241ST AVE SSTE 17 POBOX 659 

HAYS MT 59527 GREAT FALLS MT 59401 BROADUS MT 59317 

JOHN GERHART 

PO BOX 283 

BELT MT 59412 

LYNN HILL 

MSE-HKM INC 

PO BOX 7010 

SHERIDAN WY 82801 

TAMMY JOHNSON 

ENVIRONOMICS INC 

POBOX 1026 

WHITEHALL MT 59759 

DICK JUNTUNEN BOB KELLY JERRY DKNUTSON 

RESOURa MGMT ASSOCIATES INTERTEC WEST TECH SUPPLY & SERVICES 

259 MCCLELLAN CREEK RD 619 SW HIGGINS STE S POBOX 80711 

CLANCY MT 59634 MISSOULA MT 59803 BILLINGS MT 59108 

MICHAEL J LUCIANO JOHN MCKENNA WALTER LMCNUTT 

FARM HARVESTING OF EUREKA ETS INTERNAnONAL AG EQUIPMENT SALES 

PO BOX 1050 1401 MUNIOPAL RD NW 110 12TH AVE SW 

EUREKA MT 59917 ROANOKE VA 24012-1309 SIDNEY MT 59270 

JIM RAMAKER 

PO BOX 760 

CHOTEAU MT 59422 

FRED STEELE 

CSKT TRIBAL HEALTH 

BOXaao 

ST IGNAnUS MT 59865 

LILA TAYLOR 

HC42 BOX 595 

BUSBY MT 59016 

NEIL TURNBULL 

POBOX404 

BROCKTON MT 59213 

GERALD WAGNER 

BLACKFEET TRIBAL 

PO BOX 2029 

BROWNING MT 59417 
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Public Comment Periods	 Page 1 of 4 

~.~~ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY l,IIont", .. ",'. OHIClel St"t. w.g"U<; 

Home» Public Comment Periods 

Public Comment Periods 

By Subject or Program: 

Air Quality Permits
 

Draft TMDL Reports
 

Major Facility Siting (MFS)
 

Water Quality Discharge Permits
 

Nutrient Management Plans
 

The documents listed in the links above are not included in the list below. 

Download Acrobat Reader to view the pdf documents. 

Site/Subject 

ARMB SIP Public Notice 

MT Visibility State Implementation 

Plan 

Explanation 

Comment
 

Period
 

Ends
 

January 

17, 2012 

I Helena, MT 59620-0901 I 200901 I Phone: (406) 444-0524 I Helena, MT 

159620 I 

Document Send Comments To 

Location 

Montana !
 

Department of Comments can be sent to:
 

Environmental
 

Quality
 Oline Barta 

1520 E. 6th , MT-DEQlARMB

Avenue IPO Box 200901 P.O. Box 

I

I 

January 6, Montana 

Bozeman Solvent Site	 2012 Department of Cynthia Brooks I 

Administrative Order on Consent ! Environmental
 

Montana DEQ Legal Unit
 'I	 Quality

1100 North PO Box 200901 

Record of Decision and Figures I Gulch P.O. I Box 200901

! Helena, MT

159620 

Phone: (406) 841-5020

Pacific Hide & Fur Billings dba 

Pacific Steel & Recycling 

Environmental Assessment for 

II January 2,

2012 I 

I l"lontana I Department of

I Environmental 

Comments can be sent to:

1 I Last Chance Helena, MT 59620-0901 

proposed private auto wrecking	 , Bruce Meyer , Quality facility east of Lockwood, Montana	 'I I 1520 E. 6th I MT-DEQlMVRD program I , Avenue I PO Box 200901 

'II~ , Helena, MT 59620-0901 iO~9~~x Helena, MT Phone: (406) 444-2835

, 59620 ------------_---! ---------;-----------_---! 

December I Montana I
 

Little Blackfoot River Watershed 21, 2011 ! Department of i TMDLcomments@mt.gov
 I TMDLs and Framework Water	 : ! Environmental !
 i I Quality I Fax: (406) 444-6836


http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx	 12/28/2011 
PUBLIC NOTICE
 

Montana Visibility Plan
 

1) The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is inviting public comment on the 

proposed submission of revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan for incorporation into the 

Montana State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Department is extending the public comment 

period for the proposed SIP revisions through January 17, 2012. The proposed SIP revisions 

were initially noticed for a 30-day public comment period on October 20,2011. On December 2, 

2011, the Department re-noticed the proposed SIP revisions (unaltered) for a subsequent 30­

day public comment period due to an administrative error discovered during the initial public 

notice process. In response to a request received on December 27,2011, the Department is 

hereby extending the public comment period for the proposed action (unaltered), as described 

above. 

2) The Montana Visibility Plan addresses visibility protection control measures involving the 

issuance of permits to major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility monitoring of 

mandatory federal class I areas. The proposed revision includes a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology or 'BACT' as the current visibility mitigation measure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. Additional nonsubstantive Plan revisions include administrative updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and 

grammar / punctuation edits. 

3) Any person may request public hearing on this matter. If the Department receives a request 

for public hearing, a public hearing on this matter will be scheduled and the time for that hearing 

will be announced and another 30 day time period for submitting comment will begin. 

4) Interested persons may view the Plans on the Department's website at: 

http://deq.mt.gov/pubcom.mcpx or may call the Department at 406-444-7305 to have copies 

made available for their inspection. 

5) The State of Montana makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may 

interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government proceedings. Persons 

needing accommodation must contact Oline Barta to advise of the nature of the accommodation 

needed. Please contact Ms. Barta at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone 

(406) 444-0524; fax (406) 444-1499; or email obarta@mt.gov. 

6) Interested parties may submit their comments concerning the proposal described above in 

writing to the Department by addressing them to Oline Barta, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 

200901, Helena, Montana, 59620-0901; faxing them to (406) 444-1499; or 

sending them via email addressed to "obarta@mt.gov." 

To be guaranteed consideration, written comments must be postmarked on or before 5 p.m. 

January 17, 2012. 
Explanation of Proposed Action 

Revisions to the Montana Visibility Plan 

- for the ­

Incorporation into the State Implementation Plan 

December 2, 2011 

Introduction 

The Department of Environmental Quality (Department) is proposing to revise the 

Montana Visibility Plan (Plan). The current Plan addresses visibility protection 

control measures involving the issuance of permits to major stationary sources of 

air pollution and visibility monitoring of mandatory federal class I areas. The 

proposed revision includes a reference to BACT as the current visibility mitigation 

measure for open burning administered through the Department's open burning 

permit program. Additional non-substantive revisions include administrative 

updates to rule citations, board affiliation, and grammar / punctuation edits. 

Background 

In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated revisions to its 

visibility protection rules found in 40 CFR 51.301 et seq ("Regional Haze Rule" or 

"RHR"). These revisions included requirements for additional visibility protection 

in and near mandatory federal class I areas from anthropogenic sources resulting 

in regional haze. Montana is subject to the RHR requirements in 40 CFR 51.308. 

However, in 2006, the Department decided not to fulfill the RHR requirements. 

As such, EPA is developing Montana's visibility protection plan for regional haze 

as a federal implementation plan (FIP). 

The Department agreed to assist EPA with explaining the current state visibility 

protection strategy regarding smoke from major and minor open burning sources. 

The Department believes additional rulemaking is unnecessary because visibility 

protection is currently being afforded through the existing open burning permit 

program in ARM 17.8.601, et seq. The text below explains the regulatory 

infrastructure that supports the Department's proposed action. 

Explanation 

The Department administers the open burning rules set forth in ARM 17.8.601, et 

seq. The Board of Environmental Review (BER) originally adopted these rules in 

1982 for the purpose of regulating smoke emissions (including fine particles) 

from major sources of open burning. Major sources of smoke are typically 

defined as large forest land owners/managers such as the state and federal 

governments and large timber companies. No agricultural land owners currently 

are subject to open burning permit rules. 

- 1 ­
The core provision of the open burning regulations is the definition of Best 

Available Control Techniques (BACT) found at 17.8.601 (1). BACT is an 

established set of open burning techniques and methods that is intended to limit 

emissions to protect the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NMQS) and 

impairment of visibility from smoke particulates. BACT applies to both major and 

minor sources of open burning. 

Sources meeting the definition of a major open burner are issued an annual 

permit outlining the requirements of BACT. Sources not meeting the definition of 

a major open burner are considered minor open burners. Minor open burners 

may include sources such as landfills, trade waste burners, emergency 

operations, commercial film activities, fire fighter training activities, etc. The 

Department regulates minor open burners, in part, through the operation of a 1­

800 open burning hotline that is updated as necessary to minimize smoke 

particulates and avoid smoke impacts in and near class I federal areas. 

Specifically, BACT sets forth techniques and methods for controlling 

anthropogenic sources of emissions by minimizing smoke production and 

avoiding smoke impacts(17.8.601 (a)(i)-(x». BACT requires, in part, using ignition 

and burning techniques that increase combustion and reduce smoke emissions. 

BACT also requires using emission avoidance techniques such as burning when 

ventilation conditions are optimal. 

The Department issues burning restrictions in the fall season (September, 

October, and November) when ventilation conditions make it difficult to achieve 

BACT. This action, in part, protects visibility during the twenty percent worst 

(poorest visibility) days of the year in Class I federal areas. Additionally, in winter 

season (December, January, and February), the Department provides case-bycase conditional approval for open burning that also provides for visibility 

protection in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. The twenty 

percent best (greatest visibility) days of the year are protected through the BACT 

techniques and methods that minimize emission and capitalize on atmospheric 

dispersion techniques in and near airsheds where class I federal areas exist. 

Compliance with BACT is the responsibility of those conducting the open burning 

beginning at ignition and remaining throughout the duration of the burn. 

Therefore, smoke emissions must always be minimized and adequately 

dispersed for the protection of air quality and visibility. Individuals not in 

compliance with BACT may be subject to enforcement actions as outlined in 

ARM 17.8.601 et seq. 

END OF DOCUMENT
 

F:\CB7306\WordWISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIP\Explanation Final.Docx
 

- 2 ­
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

9.6 MONTANA VISIBILITY PLAN
 

Replaces Page: 15-1 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2,2011 Page: 1 of 8 

Page 9.6. (1) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

- STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL
 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
 

INTRODUCTION 

This chapter of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) is designed to meet the 

visibility requirements set forth by Congress in amendments to the Federal Clean 

Air Act of 1977 (42 USC 7491). This Visibility Plan (Plan), however, is limited to 

the provisions set forth in 40 CFR 51.305 and 51.307, as noted in the settlement 

agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental 

Defense Fund (Environmental Defense Fund v. Ruckleshaus, No. C82-6850 

RPA), and 40 CFR 51.308(d)(3)(v)(E) pertaining to smoke management. The 

Plan is, therefore, divided into four general sections: (1) Ambient Monitoring 

Strategy, (2) New Source Review, (3) Smoke Management, and (4) Plan Review. 

The development of this Plan required coordination between the former Montana 

Department of Health and Environmental Sciences (Department) and the Federal 

Land Managers (FLM). As evidence to this process, the Department had 

numerous discussions with the National Park Service and the Forest Service. In 

addition, the FLMs were given the opportunity to review the New Source Review 

(NSR) visibility rules on two occasions prior to a Board of Health and 

Environmental Sciences (Board) hearing (August 1, 1984 and January 3, 1985). 

The FLMs were also given two opportunities to review the monitoring plan and a 

draft version of the SIP prior to a Board hearing (April 16, 1985 and June 4, 

1985). Comments by the FLMs were incorporated, where appropriate, in the 

final NSR requirements and monitoring plan. The hearing for the visibility rules 

occurred on May 17, 1985 and again on july 19, 1985. The hearing for the 

monitoring plan and SIP was on July 19, 1985. The FLMs were notified more 

than 30 days in advance of these hearing dates. 

AMBIENT MONITORING STRATEGY 

The requirements for the ambient monitoring strategy are published in 40 CFR 

51.305. The Department will comply with these requirements by implementing 

the following Plan Objectives: 

Replaces Page: 15-2 Dated: May 20, 1985 

- December 2, 2011 Page: 2 of 8 

Page 9.6. (2) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Plan Objectives 

The Department will implement the Plan in order to meet the objectives of 42 

USC 7491. Ambient monitoring shall be carried out in such a manner as to fulfill 

the following objectives: 

a.	 Determine existing impairment, if any, in mandatory Class I areas 

and the source(s) of impairment; 

b.	 Provide information for new source impact analyses; 

c.	 Determine actual effects on visibility from the operation of new 

sources; and 

d.	 Analyze visibility trends in order to evaluate progress toward 

meeting the national goal of visibility protection. 

The Department will implement the four tasks above by: 

1.	 Addressing and considering the need for visibility monitoring as part 

of its Annual Network Review process. FLMs will be given an 

opportunity to comment on the Annual Network Review before it 

becomes final. 

2.	 Considering participation with the FLMs to operate visibility 

monitoring stations and share data. 

3.	 Requesting from each FLM responsible for any Class I area copies 

of any and all past or existing programs designed to monitor or 

evaluate visibility. 

4.	 Requesting copies of all future visibility data gathered by each FLM 

noted in #1 above on an annual basis, including any analysis and 

interpretation of such data. 

5.	 Evaluating any data provided by FLMs in addition to any other data 

collected by the Department or any other appropriate source (such 

as proposed major stationary sources) as appropriate to assess 

Reasonable Further Progress requirements. 

Replaces Page: 15-3	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 3 of 8 

Page 9.6. (3) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

.- STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL
 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
 

6.	 Requiring sources subject to the requirements of ARM 17.8.1110 to 

conduct periodic visibility analyses using existing visibility data, if 

available, or generating visibility data as a part of the permit 

application. 

NEW SOURCE REVIEW 

The Board adopted a number of rules designed to mitigate the effects of 

emissions on visibility. A copy of the rules pertaining to the regulation of 

emissions for purposes of visibility are provided in the following section. 

Federal Requirement	 Montana Response 

40 CFR 51.307	 Notification to the FLMs is provided 

in ARM 17.8.760(2) and 17.8.1108. 

(a)(1) - Provide for written notification ARM 17.8.1108 requires notification 

of all affected Federal Land at the time the permit is submitted

- Managers (FLM) of any proposed while ARM 17.8.759(4) requires 

new major stationary source or Major notification at the time of the 

modification that may affect visibility Department's preliminary 

in any Federal Class I area. determination. ARM 17.8.1106 

Notification must be made in writing requires an analysis of the visibility 

and be within 30 days of receipt of impacts of 

the application and at least 60 days 

prior to public hearings by the State. 

Such notification must also include 

all information relevant to the 

anticipated impacts on visibility. 

Replaces Page: 15-4	 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 4 of 8 

Page 9.6. (4) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Federal Requirement (cant.) 

(a)(2) - Where the state requires or 

receives advance notification of a 

permit application. The state must 

notify all affected FLMs and receive 

comments within 30 days following 

the Department's preliminary 

determination as per ARM 

17.8.759(4). 

(a)(3) - Provide consideration for any 

analysis performed by the FLM 

which addresses the facility's impact 

of visibility on the Class I area. 

Where the state finds that the FLM 

analysis does not demonstrate (to 

the satisfaction of the State) an 

adverse impact, the State must, in 

the notice of public hearing, either 

explain its decision or give notice as 

to where the explanation can be 

obtained. 

Montana Response. (cant.) 

the proposed source which will be 

forwarded to the FLM for comment. 

Montana statutes and rules do not 

provide enough time for a public 

hearing except for those cases 

where an environmental impact 

statement is required or if the facility 

falls under review of the Major 

Facility Siting Act. The 60-day 

hearing notification will be 

implemented where possible. 

Advanced notification to the FLM is 

required by ARM 17.8.1108 (2) and 

17.8.760(2). Both rules comply with 

the 30-day requirement. 

The requirement for the Department 

to consider any analysis of the FLM 

is addressed in ARM 17.8.1109. 

This section allows the FLM to 

present to the Department a 

demonstration that the emissions 

may cause or contribute to 

significant impairment. If the 

Department agrees, the permit will 

not be granted. If the Department 

does not agree that an adverse 

impact will result, Montana statutory 

restrictions, make it impossible to 

formally give notice of the 

Department's explanation of the 

decision prior to a public hearing 

since none is usually provided. 

Replaces Page: 15-5 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 50f8 

Page 9.6. (5) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

Federal Requirement (cont.) 

(b)(I) - Provide for the review of any 

new major stationary source or 

modification which may have an 

impact upon any integral vista. 

(b)(2) - Provide for the review of any 

major stationary source or 

modification that proposes to locate 

in any area classified as 

nonattainment. 

Montana Response (cont.) 

The notification to the FLM of the 

preliminary determination is provided 

for in ARM 17.8.759(4): however, 

compliance with this notification 

requirement may be obtained prior to 

the Department's final decision. In 

order to comply with a Department 

decision contrary to the FLM, ARM 

17.8.1109 requires a notification to 

the FLM within five days of the 

permit decision. This would allow for 

an appeal of the Department's 

decision before the Board. 

This provision is not addressed in 

the SIP at this time. This omission 

was a part of the settlement 

agreement with EDA and EDF. 

This requirement is addressed in 

ARM 17.8.1103. This rule clearly 

states that the visibility requirements 

apply to all major stationary sources 

or major modifications located in any 

attainment, unclassified, or nonattainment area. 

Replaces Page: 15-6 Dated: May 20, 1985 

- December 2, 2011 Page: 6 of 8 

Page 9.6. (6) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

STATE OF MONTANA 

Federal Requirement (cant.) 

(c) - Provide for review of any major 

stationary source or major 

modification in accordance with 40 

CFR -51.24(0), (p)(1)-(2), and (q). In 

making such a review, the state must 

ensure the source's emissions will be 

consistent with making progress 

toward the national visibility goal. 

The state may take into account the 

cost of compliance, the time 

necessary for compliance, the 

energy and non-air quality 

environmental impacts of 

compliance, and the useful life of the 

source. 

(d) The State may require monitoring 

of Visibility in any Federal Class I 

area near the proposed new major 

modification for such purposes and 

by such means as the State deems 

necessary and appropriate. 

Montana Response. (cant.) 

Review of any major stationary 

source or major modification shall be 

conducted in accordance with the 

requirements provided in 40 CFR 

51.24(0), (p)(1 )-(2), and (q) by virtue 

of Montana's approved PSD program 

(ARM17.8.801 et. seq), ARM 

17.8.1111, ARM 17.8.759, and ARM 

17.8.1106. Consistency with the 

national goal is assured through 

ARM 17.8.752 (BACT) and ARM 

17.8.749. 

BACT is required on all permitted 

sources within Montana which allows 

the Department to take into account 

those non-air quality values 

described in Paragraph (c). ARM 

17.8.749 allows conditions to be 

placed on the permit and states that 

no permit may be granted any 

source that is not expected to 

comply with all state and federal 

regulations. 

ARM 17.8.1110 provides the 

Department with authority to require 

both pre and post construction 

monitoring. 

Replaces Page: 15-7 Dated: May 20, 1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 7 of 8 

Page 9.6. (7) 
Volume I 

Cha ter 9 

- STATE OF MONTANA Subject: Montana Visibility Plan 

AIR QUALITY CONTROL 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

SMOKE MANAGEMENT 

The Department considers smoke management techniques for agriculture and 

forestry management burning purposes as set forth in 40 CFR Part 

51.308(d)(3)(v)(E). The Department considers the visibility impact of smoke 

when developing, issuing, or conditioning permits and when making dispersion 

forecast recommendations through the implementation of Title 17, Chapter 8, 

subchapter 6, ARM, Open Burning. 

PLAN REVIEW 

The Department, in consultation with FLMs, will periodically review and may 

modify this Plan for the purpose of assessing progress toward meeting the 

national goal of visibility protection. 

-

End of Document
 

F:\CB7306\Word\VISIBLTY\Reg_Hze_SIP\MT_Visibility_SIPJinal.Doc
 

Replaces Page: 15-8 Dated: May 20,1985 

December 2, 2011 Page: 8 of 8 

Page 9.6. (8) 
James M Parker 

Manager - Compliance Services, Env. 

PPL Montana, LLC 

303 N. Broadway, Suite 400 

Billings, MT 59101 

Tel. 406.740.9998 Fax 406.237.6901 

jmparker@pplweb.com PPL MONTANAru 

January 17,2012 

Via email to obarta@mt.gov 

aline Barta 

]520 E. Sixth Avenue 

P.O. Box 200901 

Helena, Montana, 59620-0901 

Re: Comments of PPL Montana, LLC Regarding Proposed Revisions to the Montana 

Visibility Plan 

PPL Montana, LLC ("PPL Montana"), a partial owner and the designated operator of the 

Colstrip Steam Electric Station in Colstrip, MT1 and the owner and operator of the J.E. Corette 

Steam Electric Station in Billings, MT, submits these comments on the DepaItment of 

Environmental Quality's ("DEQ") December 2,2011, proposed revisions to the Montana 

Visibility Plan for incorporation into the Montana State Implementation Plan ("SIP,,).2 

DEQ is proposing to revise the Montana SIP to include a reference to Best Available 

Control Technology ("BACT"), the current visibility mitigation measure for open burning 

administered through the Department's open burning permit program. In addition, the proposal 

contains several non-substantive revisions, including administrative updates to rule citations, 

board affiliation, and grammar/punctuation edits. 

DEQ should revise the SIP more comprehensively to implement the Clean Air Act 

Regional Haze Rule. 40 c.P.R. Pt 51. This should include an implementation plan for 

Montana's long-term strategy for regional haze, BART determinations, as well as requirement~

to address anthropogenic and natural sources of smoke, which have a disproportionately large 

impact on regional visibility, and, if left unaddressed, could potentially lead to unreasonable 

control requirements for point sources. 

* * * 

I The other owners of the Colstrip Steam Electric Station (in different shares for Units 1 and 2 

and for Units 3 and 4), are NOlthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy, Puget Sound 

Energy, Inc., POltland General Electric Company, Avista Corporation, and PacifiCorp. 

2 DEQ re-noticed this plan on December 2, 2011, due to an administrative error discovered 

during the first public notice proccss. 
Background 

Section 169A of the Clean Air Act ("CAA") sets forth a national goal of "prevent[ing] 

any future, and the remedying of any existing, impairment of visibility in Class I areas which 

impairment results from manmade air pollution," and provides EPA authority to promulgate 

regulations to require states to revise their SIPs to achieve that goal. Pursuant to that authority, 

EPA promulgated the Regional Haze Rule, 64 Fed. Reg. 35,714 (July 1, 1999) (codified at 40 

C.F.R. Pt. 51), which requires those states containing mandatory Class I Federal areas to develop 

celtain measures as part of their SIPs to achieve natural visibility conditions in those areas by the 

year 2064. 

Pursuant to the regional haze program requirements, SIPs (or Federal Implementation 

Plans ("FIPs") where the states do not meet their SIP obligations), include four key components. 

First, the SIP must calculate both baseline and natural visibility conditions for each mandatory 

Class I Federal area (expressed in deciviews). 40 C.F.R. § 51.308(d)(2). The rules require that 

baseline conditions be based upon the average degree of visibility impairment for the five-year 

period from 2000 to 2004, and that natural visibility conditions be calculated by estimating the 

degree of visibility impairment existing under natural conditions. [d. Second, the SIP must 

establish reasonable progress goals for moving from baseline visibility to natural visibility by 

2064. 40 C.F.R. § 51.308(d)(1). Third, for each BART-eligible source3 reasonably anticipated 

to cause or contribute to visibility impairment in a mandatory Class I Federal area, the SIP must 

include emissions limitations based upon a five-factor analysis, and include schedules for 

compliance with BART for those sources.

4 40 C.F.R. § 51.308(e). Fourth, the implementation 

plan must contain a long-term (i.e., 10-15 year) strategy for regional haze that must include 

enforceable "emissions limitations, compliance schedules, and other measures as necessary to 

achieve the reasonable progress goals." 40 C.F.R. § 51.308(d)(3). 

On July 6, 2005, EPA amended the regional haze program to require that certain states, 

including Montana, submit a SIP for regional haze no later than December 17, 2007. 70 Fed. 

Reg. 39,156 (July 6, 2005). On July 19,2006, EPA received a letter from DEQ stating that it 

was withdrawing its efforts to adopt a SIP with respect to regional haze. Thereafter, on January 

15,2009, EPA determined that thhty-two states plus the District of Columbia had failed to 

submit SIPs satisfying some or all of the regional haze elements, and as a result, EPA was 

required to adopt a FIP for those states by January 15,2011. See 74 Fed. Reg. 2, 392, 2,393 

(Jan. 15,2009). After that date passed, WildEarth Guardians sued EPA for failure to meet the 

deadline, and EPA settled the case by agreeing in a consent order to a schedule for promulgating 

3 The regulations define a BART-eligible source as any stationary source of air pollutants that a) 

was put in place between August 7, 1962, and August 7, 1977; b) has the potential to emit 250 

tpy or more of any air pollutant; and c) pelforms operations falling within one or more of twentysix listed source categOlles. 40 C.F.R. § 51.301. 

4 The five factors that must be considered in making BART determinations are: (1) the costs of 

compliance; (2) the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance; (3) any 

existing pollution control technology in use at the source; (4) the remaining useful life of the 

source; and (5) the degree of improvement in visibility which may reasonably be anticipated to 

result from the use of such technology. 42 U.S.C. § 7491(g)(2). 

2 
and finalizing FIPs for those states, including Montana. EPA is currently obligated to propose a 

regional haze FIP for Montana by March 20, 2012, and to finalize it by August 15,2012. 

DEQ May and Should Implement the RegiolUll Haze Programs in a SIP 

Congress intended in the Clean Air Act that states would play the primary role in 

addressing air pollution within their borders, including with respect to protection of public health 

as well as regional haze. See, e.g., 42 U.S.C. § 7491(b)(2)(A) & (g)(2) (providing that the states, 

not EPA, are generally to determine which sources are subject to BART and to determine BART 

for those sources). Although the statute requires EPA to adopt such programs where the states 

have not done so, states are more familiar with the local conditions and priorities that affect these 

programs and are granted discretion in balancing how best to achieve the Clean Air Act's 

environmental goals. For regional haze in particular, the Clean Air Act contemplates 

development and implementation of a strategy to reduce emissions to achieve natural visibility 

conditions over an extremely long period -- by 2064. Consistent with this, EPA's rules 

contemplate that the long-term strategy and implementation in periods of approximately 10-15 

years involve the exercise of substantial discretion in achieving a "glide path" to natural visibility 

by 2064, but without a rigid requirement that emissions meet specific budgets in any particular 

period. 

There are several practical reasons why states should maintain control over the regional 

haze process. First, states are most familiar with how state and federal emissions control 

programs for other purposes (including the revised S02 NAAQS and the Utility Maximum 

Achievable Control Technology rule ("Utility MACT,,))5, as well as the course of state economic 

development, industrial fleet turnover and other state policy choices, may affect emissions 

contributing to regional haze over the long term within their states. In addition, with respect to 

Montana in particular, Western Regional Air Partnership ("WRAP") modeling demonstrates that 

visibility in the state is heavily impacted by contributors from Canada (for which DEQ is not 

responsible to control)6, and emissions entering Montana from other continental sources (at the 

boundary of the WRAP model). DEQ is best situated to ensure that its citizens are not unfairly 

penalized by these "free riders." Finally, DEQ is most familiar with the various Montana citizen 

and business community stakeholders and able to balance their interests in light of state 

environmental and economic policy. Indeed, the primacy of thc statcs in addressing regional 

haze was specifically acknowledged in American Com Growers Ass'n v. EPA, 291 F.3d 1,8 

(D.C. Cif. 2002) (finding aspects of EPA's 1999 regional haze rules were "inconsistent with the 

Act's provisions giving the states broad authority over BART determinations"). Under these 

circumstances, statcs such as Montana are particularly well positioned to consider all of these 

circumstances in formulating a regional haze strategy. For these reasons, DEQ should retain its 

own discretion by adopting a SIP to implement the full regional haze program itself. 

EPA's current deadlines to promulgate and finalize a FIP do not preclude Montana from 

implementing the program itself. DEQ could reasonably expect to adopt a SIP via rulemaking in 

less than a year. Analyses in support of EPA's current mlemaking effOlts should be available to 

575 FR 35,520 (June 22,2010); 76 Fed. Reg. 24,976 (May 3, 20ll).
 

6 64 Fed. Reg. 35,736 ("The EPA does not expect States to restrict emissions [rom domestic
 

sources to offset the impacts of intcrnational transport of pollution.").
 

3 
accelerate DEQ's consideration of the issues. This would result in DEQ finalizing a SIP, at 

latest, just a few months after EPA's current deadline to issue a final rule. PPL Montana stands 

ready to provide any further infonnation as may be helpful in this process. 

IfEPA does not approve DEQ's SIP before its own deadline, EPA could seek a modest 

extension from WildEarth Guardians and the court to allow DEQ to fulfill its Congressionallyintended role. After all, EPA would owe deference to DEQ's approach in adopting its SIP even 

if DEQ's lUles are adopted in parallel to or slightly after EPA's FIP. Furthermore, even if EPA 

adopts a PIP before DEQ's SIP is approved, DEQ can still "take back" the program through its 

own SIP, which would displace the FIP upon EPA approval of the SIP. See, e.g., 72 Fed. Reg. 

62337 (Nov. 2,2007) (amending the FIPs for the Clean Air Interstate Rule ("CAIR"). 

Smoke Controls 

DEQ also should revise its SIP to address the disproportionate impact of anthropogenic 

and natural smoke on visibility. It is widely recognized that smoke is one of the largest 

contributors to regional visibility impairment and that it exceeds impacts from point sources. 

Because of the constancy of smoke impacts in visibility planning periods, only minimal progress 

toward the 2064 goal of zero man-made visibility impairment can be shown by modeling. This 

minimal progress has the very real danger of leading regulators to compensate by trying to 

unreasonably maximize control from point sources. As a result, point sources are at a potential 

disadvantage when it comes to visibility improvement plans. In order to adequately address 

sources within the state, it is critical that the SIP be revised to address this issue, which will 

otherwise resulL in unfair application of the Clean Air Act. 

* * * 

PPL Montana appreciates the opportunity to comment on this important issue. Please 

contact me if you should have any questions or wish to discuss further. 

SillC.C.[cly 

(J:f.x~~J /" 

/ Manager, Environmental Compliance Services 

Cc: Dave Klemp, Eric Merchant, Bob Habeck 

4
 
Montana Department of 

lEmRoNMENTALQUALITY Brian Schweitzer, Governor 

P.O. Box 200901 • Helena, MT 59620-0901 • (406) 444-2544 • www.deq.mt.gov 

February 17,2012 

James M Parker, PE 

PPL Montana, LLC 

303 N. Broadway, Suite 400 

Billings, MT 59101 

Re: Comments on Proposed Revision to Montana's Visibility Plan 

Dear Mr. Parker: 

Thank you for submitting comments to the Department of Environmental Quality's 

(Department) proposed revision to the Montana Visibility Plan. This letter serves as the 

Department's response to those comments. 

As stated in the public notice, the Department is proposing to revise the Montana State 

Implementation Plan (SIP) to include a reference to the current Best Available Control 

Technology (BACT) requirements as the visibility control measure for open burning. 

These BACT control measures are administered through the Department's open 

burning permit program pursuant to the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 

17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 6 - Open Burning. To date, EPA has determined this 

proposed SIP revision to be satisfactory with respect to the control of visibility-impairing 

emissions from open burning sources. 

The current Montana SIP addresses visibility protection control measures involVing the 

issuance of permits to new major stationary sources of air pollution and visibility 

monitoring of mandatory Class I Federal areas. The Department believes including an 

additional reference to current visibility protection control measures for open burning 

through BACT as outlined at ARM 17.8.601 (1) is an appropriate response in support of 

Montana's Visibility Plan. The Department believes that a BACT-like process, which 

features an analysis and consideration of costs and benefits of emission controls, is an 

appropriate way to protect the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) from 

the effects of regulated source emissions. 

PPL Montana stated in its comments that it believes the Department should implement 

the regional haze rule and maintain control over the Montana regional haze program 

development process. The Department takes these comments very seriously. PPL 

Montana's analysis of WRAP modeling and its conclusion that other sources may be 

contributing to visibility impairment are valid. Certainly, ongoing discussion of these 

Enforcement Division • Permitting & Compliance Division • Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division • Remediation Division 
issues is of tremendous value. The Department is hopeful this submittal will be part of 

EPA's development of an equitable and consistent method of controlling visibilityimpairing emissions from subject sources. 

As you know, in 2006 Montana notified EPA that it was withdrawing from efforts to fulfill 

the regional haze rule requirements. In the face of a multitude of federal regulatory 

requirements, the Department took this action to prioritize and redirect scarce resources 

from secondary welfare programs, such as visibility, to primary public health protection 

programs such as NAAQS. 

To this end, the proposed SIP revision represents a low-resource response and 

reiteration of an existing source emission control process (BACT for open burning) that 

also provides a co-benefit to mitigating the effects of visibility impairing pollutants. The 

process of analyzing factors for BACT for stationary sources may also result in emission 

reductions that compare favorably to BART. Therefore, BACT may be more than 

sufficient to protect against visibility impairment and, absent any compelling evidence to 

the contrary, there would be no reason to conclude otherwise for any source subject to 

BART. 

At this time, the Department does not intend to fulfill the regional haze rule requirements 

featuring BART as set forth in 40 CFR Part 51.308. As resources allow, the Department 

will continue to assist all stakeholders, including EPA, the Federal Land Managers, 

subject sources, and others, as visibility regulations are developed and implemented. 

- The Department appreciates your comments and will continue to keep you informed 

regarding EPA's action on this proposed submittal into the Montana SIP. 

Sincerely, 

Bob Habeck, Manager 

Air Monitoring, Analysis & Planning Program 

Montana Department of Environmental Quality 

cc:	 Dave Klemp, Montana State Air Director 

Carl Daly, EPA-R8 

Thomas Dzomba, USFS-R1 

Luis Hartjes, USDI-FWS 

Dave Soleim, USDI-NPS 

Karen Michaud, USDI-BLM