Waterkeeper In the News

Have you seen Upper Missouri Waterkeeper in the newspaper? We’ve been hard at work spreading the clean water message – take a look below at a few public articles to which we contributed! New Water Forum discusses health of the…

Hot Topic: SB325 state workgroup

SB 325, originally sponsored by Sen. Jim Keane, D-Butte, prohibits the Board of Environmental Review (BER) from establishing water quality standards stringent enough to protect Montana’s rivers and streams, and will have a particular impact on irrigators on southeast Montana tributaries,…

Comment on Montana’s Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards

Every three years the state of Montana must open up its water quality standards for rivers, lakes, and streams and review, revise, develop or adopt changes necessary to protect public health and welfare, enhance the quality of water, and serve the…

Smith River Mine Application – Deficiency Letter

The Montana DEQ wants to know more about the proposed Black Butte Mine operation and tailing facilities and their potential to contaminate surface water, ground water, and harm the Smith River. In late 2015, Canadian Tintina Resources applied for a permit…

Update: Yellowstone Club Wastewater Spill and Steps Moving Forward

The illegal 35 million gallon wastewater discharge in the Gallatin River has stopped, but the larger issues of how Big Sky grows and addresses wastewater, stormwater, and landscape pollution remain. Update 1:    The Spill Has Stopped As of early Monday,…

Update: General Stormwater Permit for Montana’s Large Cities

Did you know Upper Missouri Waterkeeper works with state officials and local, municipal leaders to protect urban creeks from stormwater pollution? It’s true!  One unique role Upper Missouri Waterkeeper plays is that of a public advocate for clean water in stakeholder groups at…

New Comments on Black Butte Copper Mine Application

It’s been a little over two months since Tintina Resources submitted an application to Montana DEQ to open a copper mine near the headwaters of the Smith River. The mining permit application contains all the technical data from tests and…

Comment on Proposed Beaverhead River Hydro Project

Last week the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provided notice to the public that is ready to perform environmental reviews of the proposed Clark Canyon Dam Hydroelectric Project, sited at the Beaverhead River’s headwaters outside Dillon, MT. Deadline Anyone interested in providing…

Exploratory Oil & Gas Drilling Near Lima, MT

The USFS and BLM have received an application to put in an exploratory oil & gas drill rig in far upper reaches of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National National Forest. Click here to see the BLM’s drilling application notice on the Tendoy Project.  …

Connecting Water Quantity & Quality Rules

Montanans understand that when it comes to water, we have to be smart, careful, and fair. Managing water wisely helps avoid the risk of overusing rivers, drying up pastures, harming fish and wildlife, hurting recreation, and leaving communities high and…