FAQs: Montana’s Draft Eutrophication Assessment Methods 

What is eutrophication?“Eutrophication” is the fancy scientific word describing the over-saturation of a waterbody with nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, resulting in unhealthy ecological conditions. Excess nutrients can fuel algae and plant growth, which reduces oxygen and creates conditions harmful…

Top 5 Issues with Montana DEQ’s Draft Eutrophication Assessment Method

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comments on the Draft Eutrophication Assessment Method for Wadeable Streams and Medium Rivers. “Eutrophication” is the fancy scientific word describing the over-saturation of a waterbody with nutrients, including nitrogen and…

Groups File Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Unlawful Delay on Montana’s Weakened Water Quality Standards

EPA failed to act on revisions to pH, Dissolved Oxygen, and Ammonia Assessment Methods Yesterday, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and the Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) filed a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its…

Waterkeeper Files Notice of Intent to Sue the Environmental Protection Agency Over Inaction on Montana’s Impaired Waters

Montana’s Water Quality Integrated Report remains under federal review as politics override science On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper filed a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to take…

Gallatin County Commission Protects Water Resources By Denying Major Subdivision’s Application

Decision highlights County’s responsibility to prevent harm to groundwater, Hyalite Creek, and neighbors Today, Tuesday, July 14, the Gallatin County Commission voted to deny the preliminary plat application for the proposed Anderson Meadows Major Subdivision, a 22-lot development south of Bozeman…

DEQ Announces Future Impairment Determination for Big Hole But Unnecessary Delays Anticipated

Waterkeeper’s Science and Advocacy Lead DEQ to Long-Overdue Big Hole River Protections; Concerns About Pollutants Driving Algal Blooms Remain At a Big Hole River Open House last night in Divide, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) shared that it…

Waterkeeper Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against DEQ’s Backroom Approval of Extractive Mining on the Big Hole River 

Neighbors, Community, and Public Iced Out of Public Decisions by State, Violating Constitutional Rights Last week, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and its members filed a complaint against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for its approval of a Small Miner…