401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION

A 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for a federally permitted or licensed activity that may result in a discharge to state waters, including wetlands.

AGENCY: Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

  • WHO NEEDS A 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION?

    A 401 Water Quality Certification may apply when a project requires a federal permit or license for an activity that may result in a discharge to state waters, including wetlands.

    Whether an individual 401 Certification is required depends on the federal authorization involved.

    See Examples of 401 Certification Projects →

HOW TO APPLY FOR A 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION

  • BEFORE YOU START:

    See what information, photos, plans and project details may be helpful to have ready. You can start your application and return anytime.


    Prepare Before You Apply →

  • 1. COMPLETE THE JOINT APPLICATION FORM IN GILLY

    Create an account and begin your application.

    Gilly guides you through the project information and any additional questions required for the permit.

  • 2. FOLLOW THE 401 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Whether an individual 401 Certification is required depends on the federal permit or license involved.

    If an individual certification is required, submit the completed Joint Application Form and required fee to Montana DEQ according to DEQ instructions.

    401 Certification applications are not submitted through Gilly.

    View MT DEQ 401 Certification Information →

401 CERTIFICATION PROJECT EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE:

  • DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL

    • Placement of dredged or fill material in state waters or wetlands

    • Structural fill such as culverts or bridge supports

  • ROADS & UTILITY CROSSINGS

    • Road crossings

    • Utility crossings

    • Culverts and bridge-related work

  • STREAM & WETLAND PROJECTS

    • Dredging or excavation

    • Bank stabilization

    • Stream channel relocation

    • Wetland filling, draining or excavation

  • DAMS, DIVERSIONS & FLOW CHANGES

    • Water diversions

    • Dams, weirs, dikes or levees

    • Other activities that change the natural flow or bed of state waters