Protect the Clearwater

What We Fight: The MT Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)works with private companies on expedited gravel mine permits that can pose a threat to the health and safety of water, people, and wildlife. Under opencut laws, the agency does not regulate groundwater quality or quantity, noise and visual impacts, hours of operation, or consider potential impacts to property values in the permit analysis. The only way for citizens to challenge these fast-tracked permits is with legal action.

Our Achievement: Thanks to the unwavering support of individuals like you, PTC has achieved a significant victory in challenging the Montana DEQ and a risky gravel mine and asphalt plant located between the Clearwater River and the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management area. The DEQ failed to investigate possible groundwater contamination and its effect on the river and wetlands. Judge John Larson's decision to halt the mine's progress was a monumental step towards ensuring a thorough environmental assessment.

Damage Averted, but Challenges Persist: Although environmental degradation at the mine site was halted in July, the collateral damage was unavoidable. Old-growth trees were felled, wildlife habitat stripped of winter forage, migration corridors disrupted, excavation dust dropped into the river, and nearby residents faced noise pollution and property value depreciation. MT DEQ and LHC, Inc (the mining company) asked that Judge Larson be replaced and then appealed his decision to the Montana Supreme Court. This has caused further delays and expenses.

Current Legal Hurdles: Unfortunately, legal obstacles persist as MT DEQ and LHC, Inc. have obstructed a motion to have the case heard directly in the Supreme Court, prolonging the resolution process. Fighting two state agencies simultaneously for the same issue is not only challenging but also resource-intensive. Our legal team is tirelessly presenting evidence to the BER while preparing for the upcoming MT Supreme Court case.

Montana Communities and Habitats are at Risk: These types of cases are showing up all across the state - next to established neighborhoods with young families and longtime residents, in grizzly bear and bull trout habitat, perched above pristine rivers, and permitted without proactively considering impacts to groundwater, property rights, and the surrounding environment.

We've Come This Far, but We Need You: Your generous contributions thus far, totaling $58,000, have been pivotal in presenting our case before the courts and the BER. However, an additional $50,000 is urgently required to sustain our momentum and cover ongoing legal expenses, especially with the impending appeal to the MT Supreme Court.

We understand the financial strain such cases can impose, but we cannot overstate the impact your support has on our ability to stand up for the environment and future generations. Your contribution can help us challenge the unjust laws that favor industry over environmental protections and citizens' rights.

Be the Change – Donate Now: Please consider making a donation to our cause through one of the options below. Every dollar counts, and your support will enable us to continue the fight against environmentally destructive practices in Montana. Additionally, sharing this message with your friends, family, and anyone who shares our commitment to safeguarding the future of Montana will amplify our collective impact.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to Protect the Clearwater. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a victory that reverberates across the state, protecting our water, wildlife, and the legacy we leave for future generations.

Thank you for standing with us and being an integral part of this vital mission.

You can make a difference by donating today to Protect the Clearwater.