Gravel Pit Certification
There is a growing demand in Montana for the use of certified weed-free materials such as gravel and mulch. With a weed-free designation being required for more and more construction projects, Montana Department of Agriculture has launched a voluntary program to limit the spread of invasive species that are easily transported in construction materials.
The goal of the Montana Certified Weed-Free Materials program is to provide guidelines, standards, and set minimum requirements for uniform participation of the Certified Materials Program.
Noxious Weed Free Materials Administrative Rules
Request a gravel pit or material inspection by contacting Jasmine Chaffee at jchaffee@mt.gov or (406) 444-3140 or contact your county inspector.
How do you certify your gravel as Noxious Weed Seed Free?
Montana Certified Weed Free Gravel Pit Standards:
- Material shall be free of those species identified in Appendix A by Montana Department of Agriculture.
- Material shall be inspected in the State of origin by designated authority.
- Material shall be inspected in the area of origin by designated authority.
- Material shall be inspected prior to movement by designated authority.
- Gravel/borrow area which contains any species outlined in Appendix A, may be certified if the following requirements are met:
- Area upon which the gravel/borrow material was mined was treated to prevent seed formation or seed ripening to the degree that there is reduced risk of dissemination of the seed, or any injurious portion from such species, or the propagating parts of the plant are not capable of producing a new plant.
- Weeds were treated according to best management practices, prior to development, or distribution of propagative parts.
- When opening a new gravel pit or expanding an existing gravel pit with weeds present, topsoil and material should be removed and stockpiled appropriately. Do not move infested material off property or place in vehicle traffic areas.
Fees associated with certification:
- Inspection fees of $150/site (2 inspections required per year)
- Approved markers (must be adhered to each bag or product): $0.15 to $0.40/label
- Agent travel fees- may include mileage, per diem, transportation and lodging if necessary
Selling / Bringing Certified Materials into Montana
- Identification of certified gravel, mulch, and other materials includes the following:
- Consumer packaging must be identified individually using a department-issued identification marker.
- Out-of-state products require label(s) on the product in compliance with Montana's standards for Noxious Weed Free Materials.
- All identification labels for certified materials from sites within Montana must be obtained from the department or its agents.
- A noxious weed free material product transportation certificate, issued and numbered by the department, must accompany all loads of certified materials.
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