DEQ to Host Public Meetings on Water Quality Monitoring Projects for the Clarks Fork Yellowstone Watershed

HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hosting two public meetings to share results of a water quality monitoring project for the Clarks Fork Yellowstone Watershed and provide updates on future water quality monitoring efforts. Water quality monitoring was performed during the 2022 and 2023 seasons as part of a 3 to 4 year project to assess current water quality conditions and determine whether action is needed to restore water quality. If monitoring shows that action is needed, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) may be developed. A TMDL defines the amount of a certain pollutant a waterbody can hold before it impacts water quality and beneficial uses such as agriculture, recreation and aquatic life. If DEQ determines TMDLs are needed, the agency will work with local stakeholders to outline a plan to reduce pollutants.

DEQ is hosting two hybrid public meetings in Carbon County to share updates about ongoing monitoring efforts. On April 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bridger Elementary School, DEQ and Clarks Fork Yellowstone Partnership will provide water quality presentations related to the Clarks Fork Yellowstone Valley. On April 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Joliet Community Center, DEQ and Carbon County Resource Council will provide water quality presentations related to the Rock Creek Valley. The public can join the presentations in-person, by phone or online.

For more information on attending the meetings, visit: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publicmeetings-folder/Monitoring-Projects-Clarks-Fork-Yellowstone-Watershed

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Tags: Water and Press Release