Opinion ID: 4536708
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: ¶7 The Montana Administrative Procedure Act (“MAPA”) governs judicial review of final agency decisions. A reviewing court may reverse or modify an agency decision if substantial rights of the appellant have been prejudiced because the administrative decision is, among other reasons: affected by an error of law; clearly erroneous in view of the whole record; or arbitrary or capricious. Section 2-4-704(2)(a)(iv)-(vi), MCA. A district court reviews an administrative agency’s conclusions of law for correctness. Mont. Fish, Wildlife & Parks v. Trap Free Mont. Pub. Lands, 2018 MT 120, ¶ 11, 391 Mont. 328, 417 P.3d 1100 (citing Molnar v. Fox, 2013 MT 132, ¶ 17, 370 Mont. 238, 301 P.3d 824). 2 The District Court identified six issues objectors raised alleging error by the Hearing Examiner: 1) failing to require the mandatory components of aquifer tests; 2) not including analysis of all water sources that must be reviewed for legal availability; 3) determining no adverse effect to senior irrigators; 4) unequally applying the relevant evidence regarding water quality; 5) determining that speculatively accumulating groundwater is a beneficial use; and 6) applying an incorrect standard of review. The District Court found the first issue dispositive. 5 The same standard of review applies to this Court’s review of the district court’s decision. Molnar, ¶ 17.