BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) -- The Gallatin Local Water Quality District board will hold a public hearing and final vote on Monday on whether to expand the county's water quality district.

The board is considering expanding the district's boundary by 580 square miles to the north, west and south.

The district currently monitors 815 square miles in the middle of Gallatin County. The district monitors water quality on public and private land.

The district also provides public education, conducts studies in the Gallatin watershed and helps homeowners with their wells and septic systems.

County Clerk and Recorder Charlotte Mills says the county has received 76 protests of the expansion.

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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com

Copyright 2010 The AP.