75-5-102. Intent — purpose — rights of action not abridged. (1) The legislature, mindful of its constitutional obligations under Article II, section 3, and Article IX of the Montana constitution, has enacted this chapter. It is the legislature’s intent that the requirements of this chapter provide adequate remedies for the protection of the environmental life support system from degradation and provide adequate remedies to prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources. A purpose of this chapter is to provide additional and cumulative remedies to prevent, abate, and control the pollution of state waters.

(2)This chapter does not abridge or alter rights of action or remedies in equity or under the common law or statutory law, criminal or civil, nor does this chapter or an act done under it estop the state or a municipality or person, as owner of water rights or otherwise, in the exercise of the person’s rights in equity or under the common law or statutory law to suppress nuisances or to abate pollution.