Major Water Infrastructure Project Demands Careful Vetting, Transparency, and Public Involvement
Last week, the Gallatin County Commission sent a letter calling on the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to transparently evaluate the potentially significant economic, social, ecological, and cultural impacts of the proposed Gallatin Canyon Sewer Project through a Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) study.
Action from the County Commission came in response to a request from five conservation organizations, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, and Gallatin River Task Force. The groups are pleased to see Gallatin County Commissioners take a position on the need for transparency and more public involvement on this important water pollution issue that will have widespread impacts not only in Big Sky but throughout the downstream Gallatin Valley.
“The County Commission’s resolution is a clear sign to the State of Montana that we’re all in agreement: DEQ needs to daylight the impacts of this massive infrastructure project through a meaningful public participation process and a comprehensive, transparent environmental review process,” said Guy Alsentzer, Executive Director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper.
“On behalf of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, we sincerely thank the Gallatin County Commissioners for their leadership and support of our efforts to ensure thoughtful, science-based decision-making that appropriately safeguards watershed health. Their commitment to transparency and the protection of our shared water resources reflects the values of the communities they serve,” said Sierra Harris, Greater Yellowstone Coalition Climate and Water Conservation Manager.
“We applaud the Gallatin County Commission for requesting that the Montana DEQ undertake a fully transparent environmental review process for the Gallatin Canyon Sewer project,” said Scott Bosse, Northern Rockies Regional Director for American Rivers. “The more daylight we shine on this environmental review process, the more trust the DEQ will build with the local public.”
We extend our gratitude to the Gallatin County Commission for urging the Montana DEQ to undertake a full environmental analysis of the Gallatin Canyon Sewer project. By advocating for a comprehensive review, the Commission has demonstrated leadership in protecting the health of the Gallatin River and ensuring transparency and science-based decision-making for infrastructure that will impact the river and our community for generations to come,“ said Kristin Gardner, Chief Executive and Science Officer for the Gallatin River Task Force.
The Gallatin Canyon Sewer Project is a regional-scale wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal plan proposed by the Gallatin Canyon County Water & Sewer District and the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District. The project seeks to address development-driven water pollution in the Canyon through higher levels of wastewater treatment and new disposal methods.
DEQ has begun approving key components of the proposed Gallatin Canyon Sewer Project absent any formal public process or Montana Environmental Policy Act review, prompting Waterkeeper to file suit in December 2025. The Department has already approved segments of a sewage pipeline for conveying both treated and untreated wastewater from the Canyon Area up to the meadow, adjacent to Highway 64 and the West Fork Gallatin River, but has yet to conduct a comprehensive review of the project or gather community input.
In the letter, the Gallatin County Commission is requesting that DEQ:
- Perform a full MEPA review of the proposed Gallatin Canyon Sewer Project before any decisions are made; and
- Ensure a public process with adequate notice, education, engagement, and comment periods are made available for the public.
“A project the scale of the Gallatin Canyon Sewer Project is of great importance to the future of Gallatin County … and because of ongoing water quality issues affecting the many users of the Gallatin River, Gallatin County asks that you ensure a robust study of the proposal — as well as the transparency and public participation required by the MEPA analysis. More transparency and public input will benefit all stakeholders and offer greater opportunities for mitigating potential impacts,” the letter states.
DEQ’s response letter from Director Nowakowski stated that “DEQ granted the request upon determining it would not negatively impact the environment or public health,” acknowledging that a decision was in-fact made.
The County, supported by Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Trout Unlimited, Gallatin River Task Force, American Rivers and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, is urging DEQ to fulfill its duty to Montana communities, citizens, local businesses, and clean water resources and carefully vet the project before moving forward.