Tag: Smith River Protection

If you care about the Smith River, we encourage you to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, as well as to Governor Steve Bullock, your representatives, and also to Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  While DEQ is no longer accepting comments on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the large copper mine a foreign-owned company is proposing in the headwaters of the Smith River, they still need to hear from you. The EIS process is meant to evaluate the real risks this mine poses to the surrounding environment, especially water and wildlife, as well as the recreational economy connected to the Smith River. However, we feel this EIS drastically misses the mark and we will be seeking legal recourse to protect the Smith any way we can.

In its Final EIS, DEQ claims that this mine will not harm the Smith River.  A closer look at the EIS says otherwise.  Here are significant reasons that this is the wrong mine in the wrong place:

1. This mine seriously risks reducing flows and increasing pollution of the Smith River’s most important trout spawning tributary. The company and the DEIS grossly underestimate how much groundwater connected to the Smith River headwaters will flow into the mine and have to be treated to remove contamination.
2. The water the company plans to pump back into Smith River tributaries so they don’t dry up due to mining activities is highly likely to contain more acidity, nitrate, and toxins than the DEIS admits. In addition, that replacement water will be warmer than natural stream water. All of those changes in water quality are harmful to aquatic life, fish, and stream habitat.
3. The company and DEQ haven’t properly considered how to keep contamination from mine waste out of groundwater and surface water that will flow into the Smith River system. They also have failed to evaluate the high likelihood that wastes from this mine will create acid mine drainage laden with arsenic and other mine contaminants.
4. The company’s plans to keep mine waste and the contaminants it produces from adversely affecting the environment for decades or generations is very experimental. They provide no good evidence that it will work.  The Smith River is their guinea pig.
5. An EIS is required to take “hard look” at the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the proposed action. However, the DEIS has not properly or sufficiently examined threats to the aquatic life in the Smith River and its tributaries.

Need help drafting you letter or knowing where to send it? Contact our Outreach Coordinator for assistance. Email [email protected] for more information and assistance. Please see the addresses below for places to direct your comments.

Last but not least, our legal challenge of the EIS will require attorney’s fees, expert witnesses, and many other expenses. Visit our Donation Page to make a contribution for our effort to Save Our Smith.

Governor Steve Bullock
PO Box 200801
Helena MT 59620-0801

Craig Jones
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59601

The channels and braids mirror our veins, giving our hearts a purpose.  The veins of copper ore are not where the real treasure lies.  It is the alchemy of the river that will continue to change us infinitely if we let it – Laura Churchman

Laura Churchman’s stirring op-ed strikes to the heart of why the Smith River is so important to preserve.  This place of infinite, restorative beauty is under threat.  We are calling on all of you, lovers of the river, to raise their voices against the mine that threatens to irreparably damage the Smith River drainage.

How can you help?

Attend an informational session about the mine and the recently released Draft EIS on May 6, 2019, Garden City Harvest Meeting Room, 1657 River Road, Missoula, MT

Submit official comments advocating for the Smith River to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality by emailing [email protected].  Visit smithriverwatch.org in the coming weeks if you would like substantive talking points to make your comment stronger.

Attend one of three public hearings to provide your comment in person:

• April 24, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Great Falls High School Upper Field House, 1900 5th Ave., (entrance to the south side of the building, at the intersection of 5th Ave. South and 19th Street), Great Falls, Montana
• April 29, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Park High School, 102 View Vista Dr., Livingston, Montana
• April 30, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the White Sulphur Springs High School, 405 S. Central Ave., White Sulphur Springs, Montana

Or, get online for one of two webinars offered by the Montana DEQ. Registration can be completed by following this link.

And next time you’re on Facebook, Instagram, other social media, or just talking to friends, family or strangers face-to-face, spread the word.  The DEQ needs to hear from you.  The Smith River needs you.