Montana § 75-2-105 - Confidentiality Of Records

§ 75-2-105. Confidentiality Of Records

Confidentiality of records. (1) Records or other information concerning air pollutant sources that are furnished to or obtained by the department are a matter of public record and open to public use. However, any information unique to the owner or operator of an air pollutant source that would, if disclosed, reveal methods or processes entitled to protection as trade secrets must be maintained as confidential if so determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. The owner or operator shall file a declaratory judgment action to establish the existence of a trade secret if the owner or operator wishes the information to enjoy confidential status. The department must be served in the action and may intervene as a party in the action. A trade secret not intended to be public when submitted to the department must be submitted in writing and clearly marked as confidential. However, emission data and operating permits issued by the department pursuant to 75-2-217 through 75-2-219 may not be considered confidential for the purposes of this section. (2) This section does not prevent the use of records or information by the department in compiling or publishing analyses or summaries relating to the general condition of the outdoor atmosphere if the analyses or summaries do not identify an owner or operator or reveal information otherwise made confidential by this section.