Montana Title 75. Environmental Protection § 75-20-228. Electric generating facility fuel source change--notice requirements

(1)(a) An amendment to a certificate is not required for an electric generating facility designed to generate 250 megawatts of electricity or more if a change is made at the facility to alter fuel sources necessary to maintain operations at the facility, if the certificate holder obtains necessary air and water quality permits under Title 75, chapters 2 and 5.

(b) Changes covered by subsection (1)(a) may include both the use of a new fuel source as well as any construction or modification made to the facility for the purpose of allowing the facility to accept and utilize a new fuel source. This includes but is not limited to the construction of unloading facilities, storage facilities, and conveyance systems, including conveyors, roads, and rail spurs.

(c) The department shall waive compliance with this chapter as it relates to a change made in accordance with subsection (1)(a).

(2)(a) A certificate holder making a change in a facility in accordance with subsection (1) shall file notice of the change with the department at least 60 days prior to making the change.

(b) The department may provide notice to all active parties to the original certification proceeding, but a hearing is not required.

(3)(a) A change under subsection (1) is neither a material increase in the environmental impact of the facility nor a change or addition considered to affect compliance with a condition of the certificate.

(b) A change made in accordance with this section and notice of a change required in this section may not be used as the basis of an appeal of a final decision on a certificate by the department.