BEFORE THE BOARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

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TO: All Concerned Persons

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1. On October 5, 2006, the Board of Environmental Review published MAR Notice No. 17-254 regarding a notice of public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 2294, 2006 Montana Administrative Register, issue number 19. On March 22, 2007, the board published MAR Notice No. 17-257 regarding a notice of extension of comment period on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 328, 2007 Montana Administrative Register, issue number 6. On September 20, 2007, the board published MAR Notice No. 17-263 regarding a notice of extension of comment period on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 1398, 2007 Montana Administrative Register, issue number 18.

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2. During the initial comment period, the board received a number of comments opposing adoption of the proposed rule amendments on grounds that the amended rules would render a number of properties in the Big Sky area undevelopable. The draft environmental impact statement on the proposed rule amendments indicates that the rule amendments would not preclude full development in the Big Sky area if certain mechanisms, such as central sewers and advanced treatment, are implemented. However, the record did not indicate whether regulatory or other means to require or facilitate implementation of these mechanisms are feasible. At the close of the initial comment period, the board was notified that the original petitioners for this rulemaking and developers were discussing means of accomplishing this goal. For that reason, the board extended the comment period to July 2, 2007. During the second comment period, the board received comments indicating that the discussions had been continuing, that progress was being made, and that an engineering feasibility study was underway. The commentors requested further extension of the comment period. The board granted their request and extended the comment period to January 4, 2008. On January 4, 2008, the board received a comment indicating that the feasibility study will be completed in May of 2008 and requesting that the comment period be further extended. The board has granted this request and is extending the comment period to July 18, 2008.

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3. Written data, views, or arguments may be submitted to the board secretary at Board of Environmental Review, 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; faxed to (406) 444-4386; or e-mailed to [email protected], no later than July 18, 2008. To be guaranteed consideration, mailed comments must be postmarked on or before that date.

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4. The board will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this rulemaking action or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the board no later than 5:00 p.m., March 26, 2008, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact the board secretary at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone (406) 444-2544; fax (406) 444-4386; or e-mail [email protected].

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Reviewed by: BOARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

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/s/ John F. North����������������BY: /s/ Joseph W. Russell

JOHN F. NORTH����������������������JOSEPH W. RUSSELL, M.P.H.

Rule Reviewer�������������������������Chairman

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Certified to the Secretary of State, March 3, 2008.