EPA nixes Montana’s new water quality standards
In a May 10 letter to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, the EPA asserted that a measure the Montana Legislature passed in 2021 runs afoul of the Clean Water Act. The EPA said it’s concerned that the state’s repeal of numeric standards for nitrogen and phosphorus codified in Senate Bill 358 has led to…
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‘Glamping’ proposal threatens Gallatin River, conservationists claim
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Environmental group sues over new water quality law
Environmental nonprofit Upper Missouri Waterkeeper has filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its handling of a new Montana law that loosens nutrient pollution regulations in the state’s waterways.
What’s driving southern Montana’s deadliest avalanche season in more than a decade?
There have been good winters and there have been bad winters, but during an average one, avalanches claim the lives of three backcountry recreationists in Montana. Compared to other mountainous states in the West, Montana is usually somewhere in the top five for total avalanche deaths, but rarely tops the list. But so far this…
Researchers say increasing forest fires are ‘unhinging’ streamflow patterns in the western U.S.
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences found that forest fires lead to a bump in streamflows for several years post-fire. Montana-based scientists say the study raises interesting questions about drought, wildfire, water availability and the future of Great Plains grasslands.
Federal judge sides with Forest Service in Crazy Mountains access lawsuit
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan says the sporting and conservation groups that sued the Custer Gallatin National Forest have failed to identify a “discrete agency action the Forest Service was required to take” in its handling of disputed historic trails in the Crazy Mountains. Although not final — a more senior judge will issue a…
Courts deal blow to southeastern Montana coal mine
A Billings judge ordered the federal government to redo its analysis of a southeastern Montana coal mine expansion it approved in 2019.
The Custer Gallatin National Forest’s new guiding doc
Wilderness designation, motorized and mechanized use, bison management and climate change are among the topics addressed in the rewrite process.
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MORE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
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.
What is NorthWestern Energy’s liability for river and wildfire damages?
Could NorthWestern Energy be subject to penalties or lawsuits for dewatering the Madison River and sparking the West Wind Fire in Denton? Legal experts weigh in.
Madison River flow returns after midnight dam repair
While flows are much closer to seasonal levels following a repair to Hebgen Dam’s outflow gate, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says “lasting impacts to the fishery are still unknown.”
Dam malfunction leaves upper Madison River trout high and dry
A malfunction of Hebgen Dam’s outflow structure has led to a sharp reduction in streamflow on the upper Madison River, raising concerns about the effect of severely dewatering one of the state’s most popular fisheries.
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.
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