Water Quality | Smith River Water Quality Studies | Open House January 16, 2025
DEQ invites the public to an open house to discuss the findings of two water quality studies and a Smith River Watershed Restoration Plan. DEQ and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will have staff available to answer questions about the studies, and ways DEQ and the public can contribute to a healthier Smith River.
The first study explores the causes of increased algal blooms observed by recreators along the Smith River. In 2015, DEQ began monitoring algae and investigating potential causes. The algae study found that Cladophora glomerata was the dominant algae species responsible for the excess growth. The primary driver of the increase in algae is rising temperatures, especially in late spring and early summer when nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are high due to normal runoff.
The second study established baseline information about major ion and metal concentrations. The study found that metals concentrations are generally low throughout the Smith River. Within the watershed, some tributaries contribute higher metal concentrations due to natural weathering processes as well as human disturbances since the 1800s. The metals study summarizes conditions prior to any construction or mine development at the Black Butte Copper Project, which has not yet started any mining, water management, or water discharge.
Associated Materials:
Public Meeting Information:
January 16, 2025, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Meagher County Community Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645
Learn more about the Smith River water quality studies and the Smith River Watershed Restoration Plan: https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/projects
The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public participation process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than 5:00 P.M. on January 6, 20205, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality at P.O. Box 200901, Helena, Montana 59620-0901; phone (406)444-2680; or e-mail andrew.ulven@mt.gov.
Tags: Water and Public Meeting