75-6-107. Variances and exemptions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (3), the department may grant a variance or exemption from the requirements of this part or the rules adopted under this part pursuant to the terms and conditions of the variance and exemption rules adopted by the department.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a variance or exemption granted pursuant to this section must be accompanied by a compliance plan specifying a time schedule for compliance.

(3) The department may grant for a period of up to 5 years a variance or exemption for a public water system to use bottled water to achieve compliance with a maximum contaminant level for nitrate. The variance or exemption must include the requirement that the owner of the public water system warn the public that the tap water is not potable and could pose a health risk if consumed by:

(a) posting signs at locations required by the variance or exemption for the period granted by the variance or exemption; and

(b) delivering annual notices as required by the variance or exemption to users of the public water system.

(4) A person aggrieved by a decision of the department to grant, deny, revoke, or modify a variance or exemption may appeal the department's decision to the board as provided in the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.