Kids were catching more fish in the creek, too. HB 546 addressed many issues brewing in Montana in 1996. But, many still remain, and the bill itself created its own challenges. Also, petitions are coming in to delist waters. HB 546 gives the DEQ 60 days to answer a petition, and answers require analysis.
Many challenges loom.
Sounds pretty challenging. If the acronyms and complexity have not put you off, there are a variety of ways to track the progress of this program. You can request to be added to DEQ's mailing list for their newsletter that addresses this program. DEQ staff can provide you with a current list of TMDL efforts in the state. 546 implementation is an on-going effort requiring continued funding to progress at a sustained level over the 10 year timeframe.