Environmental groups call for investigation of Hebgen Dam malfunction
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Montana Environmental Information Center and the Madison River Foundation say NorthWestern Energy’s operation of Hebgen Dam needs closer scrutiny after November’s malfunction and dewatering of the upper Madison River. They’re asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission require an independent investigation.
Latest Environmental Reporting
What is NorthWestern Energy’s liability for river and wildfire damages?
Madison River flow returns after midnight dam repair
Dam malfunction leaves upper Madison River trout high and dry
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MORE ENVIRONMENTAL COVERAGE
Tribes and environmental groups revive effort to block Hecla mines
Environmental groups and the Fort Belknap and CSKT tribes say Montana DEQ’s decision to drop a lawsuit against Hecla CEO Philip Baker Jr. is an ‘abrupt and unjustified agency reversal.’
Montana’s worst drought in more than 20 years continues into fall
This year has been the worst drought in Montana going back to at least 2000, the start of the U.S. Drought Monitor’s period of record. As of Oct. 28, 100% of the state is in severe drought and 70% of the state is in extreme drought.
Martha Williams nominated to lead U.S. Fish and Wildlife
The Biden administration announced Thursday that it is nominating former Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks director Martha Williams to become director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Williams will become the second major Montana appointee to work under U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
Betting on biochar in Bonner
Can biochar sequester carbon, reduce wildfire risk, and help farmers adapt to drought? A project in Missoula County is aiming to find out.
New mining claims at Zortman prompt push for investigation
As a result of a 48-hour gap in protections on Oct. 5 and 6, 2020, 10 new mining claims were filed in an area still grappling with an acid mine drainage clean-up that has cost more than $77 million to date and is expected to continue for generations.
Forest Service: Prescriptive easements on Crazy Mountain trails ‘likely non-viable’
The Forest Service is arguing that prescriptive easement claims involving four historic trails in the Crazy Mountains are ‘likely non-viable’ after years of landowner obstruction. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit say the agency is abandoning claims it’s duty-bound to defend.
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MORE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
EPA names Billings site a Superfund cleanup priority
A three-mile-wide swath of central and downtown Billings where groundwater has been contaminated with chlorinated solvents from laundromat operations is set to receive federal Superfund status per a notice issued by the Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday.
Trout in trouble
Anglers come to Montana in droves for the abundant wild trout. But this summer’s rising temps, dropping flows and declining brown trout populations could harbor clues about the future of the state’s celebrated cold-water fisheries.
Tribes, conservation groups challenge DEQ over ending ‘bad actor’ lawsuit
The state environmental agency has abandoned a lawsuit against a mining executive once involved in a company that left taxpayers on the hook for millions
State removes roadblock to northwest Montana mines
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has asked a judge to dismiss its ‘bad actor’ case against the CEO of Hecla Mining Co., which is trying to develop two copper and silver mines in Lincoln County.
MTFP launches MT Fire Report
With an expansive drought drying out vegetation across the state, 2021 is shaping up to be a particularly active year for Montana wildfires. MTFP’s new Fire Report has information on the location and size of fires reported across the state, as well air quality ratings for Montana communities with monitoring stations, updated hourly.
Missouri River tributary runs dry after restoration project
Helena anglers are anxious about the loss of surface flow to Beaver Creek, an important tributary of the Missouri River for spawning trout, after restoration work on the stream. The Forest Service says the improvements just need time to take hold.
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