Page 6 - Natural Resource Damage Program News Today

Evan Barrett, with support from Butte-Silver Bow and others, challenges the EPA to live up to its frequent statements of commitment to transparency by allowing public observation of technical meetings.

Montana Tunnels Mining Inc. has taken two steps forward and one step back in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings after several entities filed oppositions to the company’s plan for reorganization

The states Natural Resource Damage Program and Superfund watchdogs in Butte have expressed concern about the proposed use of slightly contaminated dirt instead of clean fill at sites in Butte.

The once-abundant brown trout population in the upper Clark Fork River has plummeted. Recent electrofishing by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks counted only 25 fish per mile. Biologists are puzzled.

A community meeting sponsored by EPA in Butte on Monday night included some harsh words for agency officials about the EPAs performance to date, lead levels in soil and more.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality described a new approach Tuesday to cleanup of the Clark Fork River that will leave more contaminated tailings in place to cut remediation costs.

The states Natural Resource Damage Program completed the Superfund related remediation for sites on state-owned lands known as the Anaconda Uplands and EPA certified the work.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Natural Resource Damage Program met with a citizens technical group Wednesday and described being open to the groups measured participation in design work.

Montana environmental officials announced on Friday they have completed clean-up on state-owned lands within the 300-square-mile Anaconda Smelter Superfund Site. Train traffic has resumed along the Clark Fork River near Paradise following a derailment last weekend.

The conservation-focused investment firm Beartooth Group initially bought the two island parcels as part of a larger ranch purchase. The firm's founder says selling the island properties to the state helps ensure they continue to be wildlife habitat and maintain river health.