(1)  A permit application (Form No. 600) must be filed when an applicant desires to use surface water or groundwater that does not meet an exception to permit requirements under 85-2-306, MCA.  

(2)  The department will not accept a permit application and will not assign a priority date if any of the following items are missing:

(a)  the flow rate and volume of water;

(b)  the point of diversion;

(c)  the place of use;

(d)  the source of water;

(e)  the purpose;

(f)  the applicant's signature;

(g)  for a groundwater well, aquifer testing results conforming to ARM 36.12.121;

(h)  for projects proposed in sage grouse habitats designated as a core area, general habitat, or a connectivity area, a letter from the Montana Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program stating the project is consistent with Executive Orders 12-2015 and 21-2015; and

(i)  the appropriate filing fee in ARM 36.12.103.

(3)  Separate applications are required for:

(a)  each source of supply; or

(b)  different purposes or places of use supplied by different points of diversion on the same source.  If the entire project is manifold into one system, then a single application is allowed.

(4)  One application is allowed for:

(a)  one purpose and multiple points of diversion on the same source; and

(b)  for several purposes, if all the points of diversion supply all of the same purposes.

(5)  The time needed to complete construction and put the water to beneficial use must be identified.  Information must be included in the application materials that justify the requested time.