State of Montana Seeks Comments on Clark Fork River Operable Unit Strategic Plan

HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) are seeking public comment on the draft Clark Fork River Operable Unit Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). The Strategic Plan describes how DEQ and NRDP will work together to complete remediation and restoration within the Clark Fork River Superfund site by 2038. 

The floodplain of the Clark Fork River was contaminated by toxic sediment from historical mining and smelting activities in Butte and Anaconda. In 1992, the Clark Fork River Operable Unit was added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List, also known as Superfund. In a 2008 settlement, the state of Montana received $95 million to complete the remediation activities outlined in the Record of Decision for the site and $27 million for restoration actions to be implemented along the river corridor. To date, the agencies have completed seven of the 22 phases of cleanup. Completion of the remaining phases will be guided by the Strategic Plan, which will be updated annually. 

"We look forward to the public's feedback on this roadmap, both now and into the future,” said Amy Steinmetz, administrator of DEQ’s Waste Management and Remediation Division. “Community input is essential for successfully completing this large and challenging, but important cleanup."

The Strategic Plan details opportunities to integrate remediation and restoration, describes the processes and decision criteria to be used and generally makes the process more transparent and accessible to the public. DEQ’s remediation responsibilities are detailed in the Record of Decision, Consent Decree and Explanation of Significant Difference for the site. NRDP’s restoration responsibilities are included in the 2020 Revised Restoration Plan for the Clark Fork River Aquatic and Riparian Resources. In order to complete the remaining phases, DEQ and NRDP will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to implement the Strategic Plan with available funds in a timely manner. 

“We believe this plan provides a process for DEQ and NRDP to coordinate to remove contamination from the Clark Fork River floodplain, which is a significant step in restoring the river and the Upper Clark Fork River Basin” said Harley Harris, program manager for the Natural Resource Damage Program. 

The public comment period will close May 21, 2023. Comments can be submitted by mail or electronically. An informational meeting will be held at the Powell County Community Center on April 25 at 6 p.m., with an option for online attendance. To view the Strategic Plan and Executive Summary, learn how to submit comments, or for information on attending the hybrid informational meeting, please visit: https://dojmt.gov/lands/nrdp-public-notices/notices-of-public-comment