Federal Superfund

The following is a list of sites that the Federal Superfund and Construction Bureau is currently working on. The final column is the Project Manager contact information for Montana DEQ Remediation. The Project Manager oversees the work being done alongside the EPA. The second table contains information about the Black Pine Mining Site, the Stimson-Bonner Mill Site, and the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex, all of which are non-NPL sites but are under the Construction portion of the Bureau.

EPA Superfund Cleanup Process

Non-NPL Construction Sites

Blacktail Creek is an urban stream located within Butte, MT. The creek originates in the Summit Valley, drains the Highland Mountains, and is a tributary to Silver Bow Creek. Blacktail Creek, along with the confluence with Silver Bow Creek, has been impacted by past industrial activities that disposed of mining, milling, smelting, and other wastes in the creek corridor. These depositions have led to an increased risk to human and environmental health.

With the signing of the amended record of decision for Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit, and the finalization of the enacting Consent Decree, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, on behalf of the State of Montana, was assigned responsibility for implementing the BTC Riparian Actions and received a settlement of $20.5 million to successfully complete this project.   

The major objectives of the remedial activities for the Blacktail Creek area, as outlined by the Consent Decree, are to:

1. Remove tailings, wastes, contaminated soils and sediments from Blacktail Creek and Silver Bow Creek below the confluence with Blacktail Creek, including the Blacktail Creek wetlands;
2. Control of discharge of contaminated groundwater to surface water in the project area (a responsibility of the settling defendants);
3. Reconstruct Blacktail Creek and Silver Bow Creek Below the Confluence with Blacktail Creek;
4. Revegetate all areas addressed in these actions in accordance with ARARs.

Currently, DEQ is in the pre-design investigation phase of the project. DEQ is working to investigate data gaps so that the project can move forward with the remedial design process. Making sure we have all the necessary data prior to moving forward with a design is a key step that ensures a science driven and cost-effective approach to meeting DEQ’s responsibilities in the Consent Decree. 

 Click to subscribe for email updates for the Blacktail Creek site: Email Updates

Draft Blacktail Creek HASP

Draft Blacktail Creek PDIWP

Draft Blacktail Creek UFP QAPP

Consent Decree

Butte Priority Soils Consent Decree Appendix D BPSOU Statement of Work

Butte Priority Soils Consent Decree Appendix H Blacktail Creek Riparian Actions Outline

Past Studies

MBMG Stream Characterization of Blacktail and Silver Bow Creeks

Tailings Impacted Sediment Delineation of the Diggins East, Blacktail Creek Berm, and Northside Tailings Area

Data Gap Investigation – Silver Bow Creek and Blacktail Creek Corridors

Fact Sheets

March 2022 Fact Sheet

August 2023 Fact Sheet

BPCE Vapor Intrusion (VI) Study Area is a shallow groundwater contaminant plume encompassing 855 acres and extends from the intersection of Industrial Avenue and Daniel Street in Billings, MT approximately three miles, east-northeast, through numerous mixed-use neighborhoods into downtown Billings. Contaminated groundwater is associated with releases of dry-cleaning chemicals and other industrial sources. The BPCE Site was added to the National Priorities List in the Federal Register in September 2021.

Multiple investigations and remedial actions have been conducted across the BPCE VI Study Area to assess groundwater quality and VI into structures above the COPC plume and are summarized below:

• 1993 – Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) completed a preliminary assessment in which the MDEQ and EPA issued a “no further action” determination for the BPCE VI Study Area, given that the aquifer was not being used as a drinking water source at the time.
• 2001 – the MDEQ completed a site investigation and determined indoor air contaminant concentrations may exceed levels with the potential to cause health risks for building occupants (at structures overlying the groundwater plume).
• 2007 – EPA conducted a removal action involving the excavation and disposal of contaminated soil, injecting chemicals into groundwater to assist in the reduction of contamination, installing a non‑permeable barrier wall around the most contaminated groundwater, and installing vapor mitigation systems at seven structures overlying the plume.
• 2019 – MDEQ issued a RI Report that characterized the nature and extent of potential contaminates dissolved in groundwater known at the time. Multiple sources of potential contaminate were found. Surface and subsurface soil were determined to be leaching to groundwater and the VI pathway is complete at some structures.
• 2022 – EPA conducted a VI investigation including sampling of indoor air, crawlspace air, outdoor air, sub-slab vapor, and soil vapor in 48 structures in and near the BPCE VI Study Area.
• 2022 – EPA conducted a soil vapor and groundwater investigation including the installation and sampling of up to 103 temporary soil vapor points and 16 semi-permanent soil vapor points and sampling of 12 groundwater monitoring wells.
• 2022 – EPA conducted a utility corridor investigation including the sampling of 35 sanitary sewer manholes.
• 2022 – EPA conducted a VI investigation including sampling indoor air, crawlspace air, and sub-slab vapor in 112 structures.
• 2022 – EPA conducted a utility corridor investigation including the sampling of up to 58 sanitary sewer manholes.

Fact Sheet

December 2022

Wondering whether your property is located within or near the Billings PCE study area? Use this web link to find out. https://arcg.is/0KyfvL1

Annual Monitoring Reports

2023 Annual Monitoring Report

2022 Annual Monitoring Report

2021 Annual Monitoring Report

2020 Annual Monitoring Report

2019 Annual Monitoring Report

2018 Annual Monitoring Report

2017 Annual Monitoring Report 

2016 Annual Monitoring Report 

2015 Annual Monitoring Report 

2014 Annual Monitoring Report 

2013 Annual Monitoring Report 

2012 Annual Monitoring Report 

2011 Annual Monitoring Report 

Phase 7 Documents and Plans

Phase 7 Design Criteria Memo

Phase 7 Drawings

Phase 7 Response to Design Review Team Comments

Phase 7 Data Summary Review 

Phase 7 Data Summary Review Addendum

Phase 3 and 4 Documents and Plans

Phase 3 and 4 Draft Preliminary Design Report

Phase 3 and 4 Drawings

Draft Data Summary Report  May 2015

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix A

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix B

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix C, Part One

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix C, Part Two

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix D

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix E

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix F

Phase 3 and 4 Appendix G

Figures

Tables

Other Documents

Strategic Plan Response to Comments

Strategic Plan with Appendices October 2023

CFR Cleanup Fast Facts

2017 Community Involvement Plan- Summary

2017 Community Involvement Plan- Full Document

2010 to 2017 Weed Control Summary Report

Explanation of Significant Difference June 2015

2008 Consent Decree 

2008 Clark Fork River Consent Decree

2004 Record of Decision

Part 1: Declaration

Part 2: Decision Summary

Part 3: Responsiveness Summary

Part 4: Acronyms, Abbreviations & References

Appendix A: Indentification & Description of Applicable or Relevant & Appropriate Requirements

Appendix B: Streambank Stabilization Design Consideration & Examples

Appendix C: BMPs & Riparian Management Plan Considerations

Appendix D: Weed Prevention & Management Planning Information

Appendix E: Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Appendix F: Concurrence Letter from the State of Montana

The heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, and Lead) and arsenic in the Clark Fork River are from historic mining, milling and smelting processes linked to the Anaconda Company operations in Butte and Anaconda. The majority of the cleanup will occur along a 43-mile stretch of the river from Warm Springs in Anaconda/Deer Lodge County downstream to Garrison in Powell County. This is known as “Reach A.”

The Clark Fork River Operable Unit (CFR OU) is part of the Milltown Reservoir/Clark Fork River Superfund Site. The CFR OU includes the Clark Fork River from its headwaters near Warm Springs Creek to Milltown Reservoir, just east of Missoula.The primary sources of contamination are tailings mixed with soil in the streambanks and historic floodplain. These sources threaten human health and animal and plant life. The 2004 Record of Decision describes the cleanup approach, or Selected Remedy. In addition to the ROD, the NRDP developed a Restoration Plan to expedite the recovery time for injured aquatic and terrestrial resources in and along the Clark Fork River. To the extent practicable, the Restoration Plan will be combined with the Remedy to maximize the use of resources. The 2004 Record of Decision describes the cleanup approach, or Selected Remedy.

In 2008, 25 years after the state sued the Atlantic Richfield Co. for damage to natural resources, a settlement was reached and a federal judge signed the consent decree. The state received $123 million from ARCO for cleanup and restoration of mining pollution in the Clark Fork River Operable Unit.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Department of Justice, Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP), with additional oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Parks Service (NPS) (for cleanup activities at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch operated by NPS) work collaboratively to design the remediation and restoration work.

In addition to the ROD, the NRDP developed a Restoration Plan to expedite the recovery time for injured aquatic and terrestrial resources in and along the Clark Fork River. To the extent practicable, the Restoration Plan will be combined with the Remedy to maximize the use of resources.

Click to subscribe for email updates for the Clark Fork River site: Email Updates

Clark Fork River Operable Unit

Phase Status Map

Individual Phase Maps

Libby Asbestos Site Overview and Updates 

Federal Superfund sites in and around Libby, Montana include the Libby Asbestos site and the Libby Groundwater site.  The Libby Asbestos Site is located in Libby and Troy in Lincoln County (see figure below). In the early 1920s, the Zonolite Company began vermiculite ore mining operations in Libby. Vermiculite from the Libby mine, bought by W.R. Grace in 1963, was contaminated with a toxic and highly friable form of asbestos called tremolite-actinolite series asbestos (often called Libby Amphibole asbestos or “LA”).   The site has been divided into eight Operable Units (OU), as shown in the table below, to facilitate addressing contamination issues. 

About LASOC

In 2017, the 65th Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 315, which was signed into law by Governor Bullock and established a Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team attached to DEQ for administrative purposes. The Advisory Team was created to enhance communication with stakeholders. In addition, the Advisory Team advises DEQ on administration of the Libby Asbestos Cleanup Trust Fund and operation and maintenance accounts. The bill also established a full-time employee as the Libby Asbestos Superfund Liaison who will perform duties recommended by the team and facilitate the required quarterly Advisory Team meetings.

Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, money deposited in a state special revenue account must be used to fund cleanup and long-term operation and maintenance costs at the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, and administrative costs of the Advisory Team and Libby Asbestos Superfund Liaison.

Libby Asbestos Superfund Oversight Committee Members

• Commissioner, Brent Teske: (406) 283- 2317, bteske@libby.org

• Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, Sonja Nowakowski: (406) 444-2544, sonja.nowakowski@mt.gov

• Citizen of Lincoln County, George Jamison: (406) 293-8567, gjamison@libby.org

• One member of the Montana House of Representatives, Rep. Tom Millett: (406) 212-3613, Tom.Millett@legmt.gov

• One member of the Montana Senate, Sen. Mike Cuffe: (406) 293-1247 or (406) 889-5777, mcuffe@interbel.net  and mike.cuffe@legmt.gov

Legislation

• • HB0030
  • SB0020
  • SB0315

LASOC Final Bylaws February 2020

LASOC Final Bylaws Amended December 2021

Upcoming Oversight Committee Meeting Information

Agendas and Meeting Materials

June 27, 2025 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Draft March 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes
• LASOC Budget Report May 2025
• Draft LASOC  Letter June 2025
• Draft LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report, June 2025
• Pfau 2021 FWP PAS Libby Amphibole Ecological
• Pfau EPA Response to Five Year Review, November 2024

March 24, 2025 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report February 2025
• DRAFT LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report March 2025
• Draft December 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes

December 9, 2024 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report September 2024
• LASOC O&M Support of Property Owners
• Draft June 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes

September 23, 2024 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report September 2024
• Draft June 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes
• LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners

June 10, 2024 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report
• Draft March 4, 2024 Meeting Minutes
• DRAFT LASOC O&M Support of Property Owners Report

March 4, 2024 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report
• Draft December 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes
• LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report, January 2024
• REDLINED- Draft LASOC Support of Property Owners Report with Jan 2024 Updates

December 19, 2023 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Draft September 21, 2023 Meeting Minutes
• Updated Draft LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report December 2023
• LASOC Budget Report December 2023

September 21, 2023 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Draft June 22 Minutes
• Final LASOC Budget Report September 2023
• LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report September 2023
• 134 Parmenter Creek Rd
• 39265 HWY 2
• DEQ Libby Funding Policy Memo
• Draft LASOC DEQ Reimbursement Statement for Property Owners

• DRAFT March 9 Minutes
• Final LASOC Budget Report June Meeting 
• Draft LASOC OM Support to Property Owners Report_June 2023
• Draft Final ECQ 2023 LASOC Annual Report
• 3274 FTM SOW and Bids (NOPEC)

•  LASOC December 2022 Draft Minutes

• LASOC September 2022 Draft Minutes
• LASOC Budget Report December 2022
• NOEC-154 Paulines Way Bid
• Draft LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report December 2022

September 29, 2022 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• June 2022 Meeting Minutes
• LASOC Budget 2022 Report
• 100 Manor Drive
• DEQ Hufford Decision
• LASOC Hufford Recommendation
• LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners
• Draft Revised LASOC Budget Report
• EQC 2022 LASOC Annual Report
• LASOC MOA
• Libby Asbestos Response Letter to Lincoln County
• Lincoln County O&M Funds Letter

June 01, 2022 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Draft LASOC March 2022 Minutes 
• LASOC Budget Report June 1, 2022
• 42162 US HWY 2
• Refusal LASOC Request
• Draft LASOC O&M Support to Property Owners Report
• Draft EQC 2022 LASOC Annual Report

March 14, 2022 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Draft Analyses of Sitewide Activities
• Draft LASOC O&M Support of Property Owners Report
• LASOC Budget Report February 28, 2022

December 13, 2021 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• LASOC Budget Report October 2021
  • Libby Budget Overview page 1
  • Libby Budget Overview page 2
  • Libby Budget Overview page 3
• Draft LASOC Bylaws Amendment 1
• Proposed LASOC Subcommittee-Analyses of Sitewide Activities
• Proposed LASOC Subcommittee-Support of Property Owners

August 19, 2021 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• EQC 2021 LASOC Final Annual Report
• LASOC Budget Report August 2021
• Libby Budget Overview Document and Spreadsheet
• Libby Bylaws Amendment Draft 1
• Budget Questions

June 22, 2021 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Libby Budget Overview
• Libby Budget Overview Detail
• Budget Comments
• MOA Signed ARP
• MT DEQ V-96841701-6
• Weston TO 03
• Draft EQC LASOC Annual Report June 2021

March 12, 2021 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Libby Budget Overview, March 2021

December 17, 2020 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• DEQ Funding Decisions on Reimbursements for Property Owners
• Options for Making Recommendations to DEQ for Reimbursement Requests
• Libby Budget Overview, December 2020

September 24, 2020 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Libby Budget Overview September 2020
• Summary for Property Owner Costs Sept 2020
• DEQ Libby Funding Policy Memo
• Recommendation for Funding Property Owner Costs

May 26, 2020 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Reimbursement Flowchart Version 7
• Motion for State O&M Funding, LASOC
• Investigation Sampling Flowchart Version 5
• DRAFT DEQ Libby Funding Policy Memo
• Estimate of Cost, Unfunded Categories
• EQC Annual Report June 2020 LASOC

February 10, 2020 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Budget Overview January 2020
• 08-12-2019 Outstanding Settlement Dollars Request, signed
• BOH Motion Re: Public Comment Periods 11-13-2019
• DEQ Response to BOH Motion
• EPA Response to BOH Motion
• EPA Use of Settlement Funds on O&M Specific Items
• DEQ Response to EPA Use of Settlement Funds Letter
• Estimate of Cost-Unfunded Categories
• ICIAP Comments-Rep. Steve Gunderson 12-09-2019
• ICIAP Comments-Senator Mike Cuffe 12-09-2019
• LASOC Draft Bylaws 1-31-2020
• O&M Position Statement 1-2018

December 17, 2019 Oversight Committee Meeting Agenda

• Budget Overview December 2019
• LASOC Draft Bylaws with Questions
• Reimbursement Flowchart
• Funding Matrix
• Motion Re: Public Comment Periods

September 19, 2019 Oversight Committee Meeting

• Budget Overview September 2019
• Guiding Principles -September 2019
• EPA Response Letter - June 2019
• LASOC Bylaws - Draft

August 12, 2019 Oversight Committee Meeting

• Initial Lincoln County Draft_For Discussion Only_LASOC Guiding Principles Document_08092019
• Outstanding Settlement Dollar Request Signed_August 12, 2019

August 2, 2019 Oversight Committee Meeting

June 24, 2019 Libby Oversight Committee Meeting

• Budget Overview for June 2019
• EQC Annual Report June 2019
• Memo Scope of Work Considerations for Lincoln Co MOA
• Lincoln Co Letter to Doug Benevento O&M Planning Activities
• EPA Letter to Commissioner Peck OU4 and OU7
• DEQ Letter to Stan Christenson OU4 and OU7
• EPA Letter to Tom Stoops OU4 and OU7
• O&M Position Statement January 2018
• Lincoln Co Letter to Stan Christenson
• Lincoln County Letter Critical Transition Issues
• Office of Governor Letter to Doug Benevento
• EPA Letter to Honorable Steve Bullock
• Outstanding Settlement Dollars Request_Draft

March 26, 2019 Libby  Advisory Team Meeting Agenda

• Lincoln County's letter to Doug Benevento
• Budget Overview for March 2019
• O&F and O&M Milestones

December 19, 2018 Libby Advisory Team Meeting Agenda

• Budget Overview for December 2018

September 7, 2018 Libby Advisory Team Meeting Agenda

•  Budget Overview for September 2018

June 28, 2018 Libby Advisory Team Meeting Agenda

• ARP Property O & M Process
• Budget Overview for June 2018
• Libby Asbestos Fund Restrictions
  • Attachment 1
• OU5 Briefing Paper

March 8, 2018 Libby Advisory Team Meeting Agenda

• O & M Position Statement January 2018 Signed
• Recruitment Strategy, Updated
• Budget Overview, March 2018
• LibbyOU4_OU7NextStepsHandout
• IC Report of Recommendations
• Board of Health Re: Public Health Emergency_Signed

December 18, 2017 Libby Advisory Team Meeting Agenda 

• Libby Liaison Job Description
• Draft Recruitment Strategy
• Libby OU PowerPoint

September 21, 2017 Libby Advisory Team Meeting 

Meeting Minutes

March 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 23, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved

March 4, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 21, 2023 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 22, 2023 Meeting Minutes Approved

March 9, 2023 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 15, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 29, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved

March 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes Approved

August 19, 2021 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 22, 2021 Meeting Minutes Approved

March 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 24, 2020 Meeting Minutes Approved

May 26, 2020 Meeting Minutes Approved

February 10, 2020 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 17, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 19, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

August 12, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

August 2, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 24, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

March 26, 2019 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 19, 2018 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 7, 2018 Meeting Minutes Approved

June 28, 2018 Final Meeting Minutes Approved

March 8, 2018 Meeting Minutes Approved

December 18, 2017 Meeting Minutes Approved

September 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes Approved

Meeting Memos

September 29, 2020 Interim Recommendations for LASOC

For More Information:

These links contain general asbestos information:

• Montana Asbestos Control Program
• Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program

DEQ released the final Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Montana Pole. See documents section below for both the final ESD and responsiveness summary.  The ESD proposes changes to the original cleanup plan to make the site more protective of human health and the environment. Now that the ESD is complete and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), construction can begin this summer on the final cleanup for the south side of the site allowing for future redevelopment.

Construction for remediation cleanup will include placing the treated soils in an onsite designated capped area called a Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). The new cleanup levels will allow for commercial and industrial redevelopment for 27 acres of the site. The remaining 9 acres is the site of the CAMU, which will be comprised of the treated soils area and additional soils removed to achieve the new cleanup levels. The operation and maintenance of the CAMU will be overseen by the state to ensure protectiveness and will have regular Five Year Reviews. Five Year Reviews are a standard process required whenever contamination is safely left onsite. The reviews make sure the site remains protective.     

 Click to subscribe for email updates for the MT Pole site: Email Updates

Montana Pole Story Map

Interactive Story Map

The cleanup of Silver Bow Creek has been ongoing since 1999 as part of a Superfund remedial action being coordinated by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2000, the Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) of the Montana Department of Justice formed a partnership with DEQ, bringing a restoration component to the project that goes beyond remediation required under Superfund. Provided below is a brief history of the project, updates regarding the current status of the project, and descriptions of activities planned in future years.

Silver Bow Creek extends from Butte approximately 23 miles to the Warm Springs Ponds, a water treatment facility located at the headwaters of the Clark Fork River (see corridor map). Since the late 1800s, tailings and other mine wastes containing elevated concentrations of metals have been discharged to or otherwise entered Silver Bow Creek. These toxic discharges impacted the stream and floodplain with heavy metals and virtually eliminated aquatic life in the stream. Tailings deposited in the floodplain are toxic to plants and have resulted in a floodplain that is largely devoid of vegetation and is generally incapable of supporting wildlife. In 1983, EPA listed the Silver Bow Creek/Butte area as one of multiple Superfund sites in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. The agency later designated the approximately 23 stream miles of streamside tailings along Silver Bow Creek as an operable unit (OU) within this overall Superfund site. The Streamside Tailings Operable Unit (SSTOU) has become one of the areas of focus for Superfund cleanup in the Butte area. Initially, EPA named ARCO as the primary party responsible for remediation of the SSTOU and other Superfund sites in the Upper Clark Fork Basin through its acquisition of the Anaconda Company. EPA and DEQ issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the site in November 1995 that identifies the final site remedy and the agencies' rationale for selecting that remedy. The major remedial action that resulted from issuance of the ROD is excavation of tailings and related impacted soils from the floodplain of Silver Bow Creek and reconstruction of the stream channel and floodplain. For planning purposes, the SSTOU was divided into four subareas, each with a distinct geologic and geographic character.

The Natural Resources Damage Program (NRDP) Connection. In a 1999 state, federal and tribal settlement, ARCO agreed to pay $215 million to the State to resolve certain claims. From the settlement amount, $80 million plus interest was set aside for DEQ and EPA to implement the remedy for Silver Bow Creek. Some of the remaining amount is being used to enhance the cleanup of Silver Bow Creek through various habitat improvements and restoration actions. DEQ and EPA are coordinating the cleanup of the Silver Bow Creek remedy with NRDP.

After 16 years of cleanup, the Silver Bow Creek/Streamside Tailings cleanup reached completion in summer 2015.

Cleanup consisted of excavation of tailings (mine waste containing heavy metals) and related impacted soils from the floodplain of Silver Bow Creek, and the reconstruction of the stream channel and floodplain, and total revegetation. 5.8 million cubic yards of tailings were hauled, or enough to fill Grizzly Stadium to the brim 21 times. The contaminated waste was hauled to Opportunity Ponds. Approximately 1,550 acres along Silver Bow Creek have been remediated and restored.

Fish surveys show that populations of Westslope cutthroat, brook trout, sculpins, and suckers have reestablished in the creek. Shrub and tree planting activities have enhanced wildlife habitat, along with a DEQ-implemented weed management program. Sightings of over 100 bird species, including bald eagles, osprey, swans, blue heron, and sandhill crane are common in the floodplain and wetland areas, as well as deer, elk, moose, beaver, muskrats, and mink.

DEQ will implement a 'final pass' cleanup before subareas are transitioned into operations and maintenance status. The final pass will address very small deposits of remaining remnant tailings-impacted soils to improve and enhance the remediation as a whole.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area

PHOTO needs to be transferred

The Black Pine Mine (BPM/Site) is an inactive silver mine located 10 miles northwest of Philipsburg in Granite County. The BPM complex includes 1,056 acres of patented mining claims and 150 unpatented lode claims. It is surrounded by lands administered by the US Forest Service. Approximately 400,000 CY of metals-impacted wastes are estimated to be present at, and down gradient of the Site. The impacted wastes include waste rock, tailings, and metals impacted soils and sediments.

The BPM is one of five sites in Montana that was owned and operated by ASARCO, until their bankruptcy filing in August 2005. In December 2009, $17.3 million was allocated to the BPM for environmental actions at the Site. DEQ was appointed as the lead agency for the reclamation. These funds are being managed by the Montana Environmental Trust Group, LLC (METG), Trustee for the Montana Environmental Custodial Trust.

DEQ performed a site characterization to investigate the nature and extent of contamination associated with mining and milling waste at the Site. Based on the results of the site characterization, reclamation alternatives are being evaluated to address human health and ecological risk.  

Attention Contractors

To be considered during an invitation for bid, a contractor must meet several criteria, including but not limited to being bonded and insured, a registered contractor with the State of Montana and trained (40 hours) in emergency hazardous waste operations (HAZWOPER). The DEQ will develop designs for various stages of the work. When the design is complete, the project will be put out for construction bid on the DEQ website at www.deq.mt.gov. The DEQ will respond to questions and hold a pre-bid conference. Bids are sealed and opened at once in public. The DEQ selects the lowest responsible bidder.

U.S. Forest Service Home

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Home

Montana Environmental Trust Group

The Bonner Mill Cooling Pond cleanup project is located in Bonner, Montana, along the Blackfoot River. In the early 1880s, the first logs were cut at the Bonner mill site and shipped to the mining operations in Butte. Over time, the Bonner mill site owners built and operated a “cooling pond,” which actually extended out into the Blackfoot River. In 2006, DEQ discovered contaminants (PCB) in the sediments of the cooling pond. The Department of Natural Resources & Conservation determined that because of the removal of the Bonner and Milltown dams immediately downstream from the cooling pond area, the berm of the cooling pond would fail during the next 100-year high flow flood, washing the PCBs downstream. Working with DEQ, Stimson Lumber entered into an Administrative Order of Consent in 2010 to remove the PCB contaminated areas threatening the Blackfoot River. Between September 2010 and April 2016, contaminated soils and debris was removed from the site and shipped to landills or an on-site repository; the river was restored and no longer does a threat from PCBs exist from areas it once did. This webpage provides links to public fact sheets and updates throughout the life of the project.

No public input received on a Draft Plan to Remove Wastes at the Bonner Mill Site Repository located in Missoula, MT

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requested public input on a draft plan submitted by Bonner Property Development, the current landowner of the site, to remove waste at the Bonner Mill Site Repository and dispose of the waste at the Republic Landfill located in Missoula, MT.   Currently, the repository is performing as designed and remains protective of human health and the environment.  DEQ is not requiring any party to remove or alter the repository. DEQ has not approved any amendment or modification to the current restrictive covenants at the site. Public input was accepted until 5:00 p.m. on October 9, 2020. DEQ received no public input. 

With the close of a request for public input, DEQ is currently reviewing the plan. DEQ’s review of the submitted draft plan will ensure that the proposed work will not conflict with ongoing work at the facility and that the work conducted will not spread, worsen, or otherwise exacerbate the PCB contamination. DEQ will review the plan to guarantee that all other relevant factors are considered for protectiveness of human health and the environment and that wastes are disposed of in a permitted landfill. If appropriate after such on-going review, DEQ may require revisions and additional information or approve a detailed work plan outlining the proposed work.

The draft plan documents are part of the administrative record.  Site documents may be requested here: https://montanadeq.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(iv3hbh02ft3pfjbr2m144mfq))/supporthome.aspx

Site Overview

The Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC) is a state superfund facility located about 15 miles east of Lincoln. Seeps from the tailings and waste rock dumps along with acid mine drainage from old adits have contaminated surface water, sediments, soils and groundwater. Additional contamination exists due to the 1975 dam failure that washed metals-laden tailings down the Beartrap Creek drainage and into the upper Blackfoot River.

DEQ has led cleanup efforts in coordination with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) over the past several years. The primary goal of the cleanup is to remove approximately 1 million cubic yards of tailings and mine waste to protect human health and the environment. This protection will be accomplished by minimizing direct contact with contaminants and limiting migration and mobility of contaminants within the environment.

Virtual Tour

Site Video

Reclamation Nears Completion on Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex in Lewis & Clark County

Reclamation work is nearing completion at the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC), a State Superfund site located in Lewis & Clark County east of Lincoln, Mont. 

The reclamation work has been a coordinated effort of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Justice – Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) and United States Forest Service (Forest Service). 

Historical mining practices contaminated the floodplains and waterways downstream of the Mike Horse Dam. The dam was built in 1941 to contain mine tailings but failed in 1975, flushing more than 200,000 cubic yards of mine tailings downstream for almost 10 miles and into the Blackfoot River. Required restoration and reclamation work included removal of the tailings dam and contaminated floodplain waste, as well as stream channel construction and floodplain restoration.  

The cleanup removed approximately 1 million cubic yards of tailings and mine waste that had contaminated streams and the adjacent floodplains and made survival difficult for aquatic life, including fish. The contaminated material was removed from the banks and floodplain of the Blackfoot River and its tributaries, and encapsulated in a nearby repository. Water quality has returned to healthy levels following the reclamation and restoration of the site. 
 
“This site is a great example of agencies working together to clean up pollution left by historic mining,” said Project Officer Dave Bowers from DEQ. “This unique piece of Montana can now be used by everyone to enjoy the clean river, trails and wildlife. Most importantly, the site is protective of human health and the environment.” 

Restoration was completed on Mike Horse Creek, Beartrap Creek and Blackfoot River stream channels and adjacent floodplains.  Fish are already populating the newly constructed stream channels.

“Seeing the restored streams teeming with life as clean, cold water flows from high on the continental divide is something we can all be proud of,” said Restoration Project Manager Beau Downing from NRDP. “I believe I speak for everyone involved with the project in saying that the outcome has far exceeded our expectations. Working with DEQ, the USFS, our project partners, and the contractors to complete the project has been a highlight of my career.”

Funding for the cleanup came from a $39 million settlement with Atlantic Richfield Co. and ASARCO, LLC—companies that came to own much of the historic mining district.  

While a majority of the work is done, DEQ and the Forest Service may still have work to do in the areas outside the floodplains depending on the availability of alternative funding sources. Smaller areas disturbed by past exploration and mining practices were identified in the Record of Decision and need to undergo “design level” investigations. These investigations will determine the exact actions, if any, that need to be taken at each site. Depending on the outcomes of the investigations, possible actions could range from no action at all to complete removal. 

“The work completed at the site is a true demonstration of multiple agencies working cooperatively together for the betterment of the environment in Montana,” said Steve Opp, on-scene coordinator for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. “The project partners have committed to long-term monitoring of the site that will last several years to measure the effectiveness of the clean-up and restoration.” 
 
The site is now open for recreational use. The nonprofit Blackfoot Challenge is working on a self-guided tour that will feature information kiosks located throughout the UBMC. The kiosks will include information panels covering topics such as unique plants and wildlife as well as a history of the mining that occurred in the area. 

The Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (UBMC) is an inactive mining district more than 50 acres in size and located 15 miles east of Lincoln, Montana. American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco) constructed the UBMC water treatment plant in 2008 and began operation in January 2009. The plant collects discharge from two mine adits and two seeps, treats the waters with chemicals and a ceramic membrane filter system, and then discharges the water into the Upper Blackfoot River. The primary metals that are removed are cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese and zinc. As part of the Asarco bankruptcy, Asarco funded a Trust to operate the water treatment plant with State of Montana oversight.

If you have any questions concerning water treatment plant operations, please direct your inquiries to:

Robert Roll
Remediation Division
1225 Cedar Street, Helena, Montana 59602
406-444-6438
rroll@mt.gov

NEWSLETTERS

DEQ, in coordination with the USFS and NRDP, puts out the Mike Horse Messenger, the newsletter for the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex. It is generally published twice a year, before and after the field season, to keep interested parties informed of progress at the UBMC.

If you would like to receive the Mike Horse Messenger or any other mailings on the UBMC from DEQ, please to subscribe for email updates for the UBMC site: Email Updates

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