<div>Comment period closes January 7HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on two draft assessment methods: a Draft Eutrophication Assessment Method for Lakes and Reservoirs and a Draft Harmful Algal Bloom Assessment Method. When final, the assessment methods will guide DEQ water quality scientists to determine if a waterbody supports uses such as aquatic life and recreation.The Draft Eutrophication Assessment Method for Lakes and Reservoirs primarily considers scientific measures, known as biological responses, such as the amount of algae growth and water clarity of a given waterbody. The Draft Harmful Algal Bloom Assessment Method assess the toxicity and duration of harmful algal blooms.The presence of excessive nutrients in a waterbody encourages plant and algae growth, which scientists refer to as eutrophication. This can affect aquatic life and recreation. These conditions can also result in harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms, also commonly referred to as “HABs” or “blue-green algae,” are made up of bacteria called cyanobacteria. At high concentrations, this type of bacteria can release toxins into the water that may cause skin irritation, make people sick, and can be fatal to pets or livestock if ingested. The assessment methods inform water quality protection and restoration efforts. DEQ focuses water quality monitoring resources in areas that are at risk of showing pollutant problems to identify where restoration funding should be prioritized. Both assessment methods check for the presence of human-influenced sources of pollution, then evaluate biological and water quality conditions. After an assessment, waterbody goals are developed based on site-specific data for pollutants that are contributing to eutrophication and HABs. This work is part of a package of eutrophication assessment methods the agency is developing. Earlier this year, DEQ collected public comments on the Draft Assessment Method for Eutrophication in Wadeable Streams and Medium Rivers. The agency is working on reviewing, considering, and responding to those comments. As a collective, these assessment methods will provide guidance for assessments of waterbodies across the state. To view the draft assessment methods, scan the QR code.</div>

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HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on two draft assessment methods: a Draft Eutrophication Assessment Method for Lakes and Reservoirs and a Draft Harmful Algal Bloom Assessment Method. When final, the assessment methods will guide DEQ water quality scientists to determine if a waterbody supports uses such as aquatic life and recreation.

DEQ Seeks Public Comments on Two Draft Assessment Methods for Water Quality

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HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on two draft assessment methods: a Draft Eutrophication Assessment M