ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW process:
NorthWestern Energy is preparing an application for a certificate under the Montana Major Facility Siting Act (MFSA). Following review of this application and information provided by NorthWestern, the project will proceed with environmental review under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other various consultations, approvals, and permits.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will oversee the MFSA application and will be the State lead agency for the upcoming joint Federal / State Montana Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Bureau of Land Management will be the Federal Lead Agency responsible for implementing the EIS being jointly prepared with the DEQ. The USDA Forest Service will be a Federal Cooperating Agency. Consultations and coordination with other Federal and State environmental and permitting agencies will be required to meet other regulations.
There is no state siting law in Idaho, and the Federal environmental review process described above will guide the public and agency review in Idaho. Construction cannot commence until all local, state and federal permits/regulatory requirements are met. NorthWestern expects the EIS to require approximately two years to complete.