Public Records

Overview

The public has a constitutional right to know provided in Article II, Part II of the Montana Constitution, which states, “No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions, except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.”

DEQ’s records team is here to help ensure public records are accessible to all. This page provides links to several online resources to help you find or request information. Not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us!

Records & Information Management Contacts

DEQ RIM Coordinators

Agency RIM Analyst
Daisy Dyrdahl-Roberts
(406) 444-6701

Air, Energy, & Mining
Sharona Gilbert (406) 444-4966

Enforcement
Camie Westfall (406) 444-9093

Waste Management, Remediation, & Tanks
VACANT (406) 444-6796

Water Quality
Candice Gernand (406) 444-4643

Find Public Information

Use the two resources below to search for available information and documents. DEQ’s mapping data allows you to search for project sites and permitting information in your area by using a map of the state. You can download data from the map or use what you find to reach out to DEQ for more information. The archive of records requests allows you to search for previously released information on a topic of interest.

Archived Public Information Requests

Mapping Data

Request Records & Information

Not finding what you’re looking for? Submit a public information request below.

By clicking the "Submit a Public Information Request" button below, you will be directed to the centralized public information request portal managed by the Montana Office of Public Information Requests (OPIR). Simply select “New Request” from the menu and follow the prompts to create an account.

If you have an existing request submitted in the previous system (GovQA), you can check the status by clicking the the "Check the Status of an Existing Request" button below. Log in using your original account credentials.

DEQ staff will follow up with you to help ensure you receive the information you need in an efficient manner. If you need a little more information, check out the frequently asked questions or contact us.

Submit a Public Information Request

Check the Status of an Existing Request

(GovQA)

FAQs

What is a public information request?

A public information request (PIR), sometimes called a “records request” or a “FOIA request,” is a request from a member of the public to a government agency to view records created by that agency.

What can I request?

Montana has very broad laws governing information requests. All of DEQ’s records are subject to review by the public, except in cases where individual privacy is at stake. DEQ will only withhold information if it contains personal identifying information, medical information, confidential business information, or records subject to attorney/client privilege.

How long will my records request take to process?

DEQ strives to fulfill all records requests within 30 days. Simple requests (e.g. a single report, a list of attendees at a public meeting, a permit/license, etc.) typically take less time; however, requests for historical paper records, large amounts of information, and/or information that will need extensive review from an attorney may take longer.

Why do I have to create an account to request public records?

The State of Montana hosts a public information request portal to manage requests submitted to all executive agencies in order to track and fulfill requests effectively and efficiently. DEQ alone receives over to 1,100 public information requests each year. The state will use the information you provide only to fulfill your information request(s).

How much does it cost to request public records?

Montana Code Annotated 2-6-1006(3), provides public agencies the ability to charge fees for fulfilling public information requests.

DEQ charges the following fees:

Actual hourly rate of staff fulfilling the request (i.e., gathering files & information, research, copying, scanning)

$.10 per sheet of paper for copying
Actual cost for storage media, postage, and mailing materials
Actual cost for retrieval of records from off-site storage
Actual cost for any other incidentals directly related to the request

 DEQ will waive all fees for:

Requests for which fees total less than $20.00
Requests from local, tribal, and federal government agencies
Requests from DEQ contractors for currently contracted work
Requests from state or federal legislators (or their staff) that are made for legislative purposes
Requests from journalists that are made for journalistic purposes
Requests from students who provide proof of current enrollment

Requesters must identify themselves as contractors, legislators, journalists, students, or representatives of government entities in order for fees to be waived.

When fees are incurred, DEQ requires the fees to be paid in advance of releasing any responsive records or information responsive to a requester.