Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 80. AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 7. DISEASE, PEST, AND WEED CONTROL

Part 10. Aquatic Invasive Species

Check Stations

80-7-1011. Check stations. (1) The departments shall establish a check station within or adjacent to an invasive species management area to prevent the introduction, importation, infestation, and spread of the invasive species for which the designation was issued.

(2) At a check station established under subsection (1), the departments may examine vessels and equipment for the presence of an invasive species and compliance with regulations imposed under 80-7-1008(3)(b) and with this section. Examination of any interior portion of a vessel or equipment that may contain water, including bilges, livewells, and bait containers, for compliance may occur only if inspection of interior portions is included as part of quarantine measures established pursuant to 80-7-1008(3)(b)(i).

(3) The owner, operator, or person in possession of a vessel or equipment shall stop at any check station unless a medical emergency makes stopping likely to result in death or serious bodily injury.

(4) If during an inspection of a vessel or equipment the presence of an invasive species is detected, that vessel or equipment may not leave the check station without authorization until it is cleaned and decontaminated in a manner established in accordance with 80-7-1008(3)(b). Every effort must be made to ensure decontamination of the vessel or equipment as expeditiously as possible.

History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 429, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 378, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 354, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 348, L. 2017.