Bureau of Mines and Geology Confirm Sensitivity of Gallatin River and Need for Advanced Wastewater Treatment
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology released a hydrogeologic report and groundwater model on the Upper Gallatin at Big Sky confirming, scientifically, what conservationists and experts have long known: groundwater and surface water in the middle segment Gallatin River are hydrologically connected and, therefore, septic systems offer inadequate levels of wastewater treatment that will not protect the sensitive Gallatin River.
Unfortunately both the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Gallatin County continue to authorize new development reliant on septic systems nearby important waterways like the Gallatin River.
“There is no doubt that more needs to be done to protect the Gallatin,” said Guy Alsentzer, Executive Director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper. “The data is clear – septic systems are inappropriate for new development and will worsen the pollution problems impairing the river. DEQ and Gallatin County need to recognize the best available science in their respective decision-making processes and require new development to utilize proven, high-quality wastewater treatment options.”
The studies released by the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology highlight the hydrologic connectivity between groundwater in the Gallatin Canyon and the mainstem Gallatin River, making it clear that septic pollution discharged to the shallow aquifer in Big Sky’s Canyon Area will end up in the river. The Gallatin has been formally declared impaired by unnatural algal blooms, caused in part by excessive nutrient pollution from poorly treated wastewater. The presence of nuisance algal blooms and an impairment determination represent the river passing a “tipping point” where it cannot accept any additional pollution.
Moving forward, local and state government focus needs to prioritize community-wide wastewater treatment solutions that achieve the highest levels of wastewater treatment, and mandatory commitments to reduce pollution from the largest sources of nutrient loading in Big Sky. The proverbial low-hanging fruit and starting point for this critical focus must include stopping the use of septic systems for new development projects, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Gallatin Canyon. New development must pay it forward and use wastewater treatment technology that assures the protection of local water quality.
“This study reinforces the urgent need for centralized wastewater treatment infrastructure in Gallatin Canyon—a community-driven initiative nearly two decades in the making that has gained meaningful momentum in recent years,” said Kristin Gardner, Chief Executive and Science Officer of the Gallatin River Task Force. “Despite the clear benefits to both the Gallatin River and the local drinking water supply, the project continues to face significant challenges. Without it, threats to public health and the environment will only intensify.”
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper is currently litigating the approval of the Quarry Project Phase 1, a new subdivision located less than half a mile from the river reliant on the use of dozens of septic systems. Despite this active litigation, DEQ has proposed moving forward with approval for Phase 2 of the Quarry Project. Earlier this year, over two hundred Montanans voiced their concerns to DEQ about the impacts of the Quarry Phase 2 on the Gallatin River. Among other things, citizens urged DEQ to require centralized wastewater treatment – as opposed to decentralized septic systems – and include better treatment and improved accountability mechanisms. DEQ has not yet made a decision or released a response to public comments on the Quarry Project Phase 2.
The Gallatin River supports a vibrant outdoor recreation economy, provides drinking water for local residents, and is home to wild trout populations and diverse aquatic communities. It is also one of the few, un-damed rivers flowing out of Yellowstone National Park, yet in less than 50 miles when the Gallatin reaches human development, it begins to experience pollution events and seasonal algal blooms. The Gallatin River and all the uses it supports deserve better.
Allowing outdated and inappropriate septic systems threatens not only the Gallatin and wildlife, but also the region’s economic backbone. Treating pollution related to human development through both ecologically and economically responsible best management practices prevents problems upfront, rather than costly restoration after the damage is done.
It’s never been more critical to raise the bar for environmental protection and safeguard Montana’s right to clean water. This is particularly true as the Montana Legislature continues to roll back water quality safeguards by advancing a raft full of dirty water bills alongside limits to public notice and participation.
UMW Director Alsentzer concluded, “A penny of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We can do this right. It’s past time to listen to science and assure all new development uses the best wastewater treatment options available to protect local water resources, the world-class Gallatin River, and the economic and intrinsic value it provides.”