DEQ Proposes Big Hole River as ‘Impaired’
The finding could trigger new pollution limits and federal restoration funding after years of legal pressure from environmental groups and local water users.
- The Montana Department of Environmental Quality recently determined the Big Hole River is impaired due to nutrient pollution and low oxygen levels. The assessment identifies pollution sources and algae bloom conditions affecting the waterway.
- Montana's 2025 shift to narrative water quality standards created tension between regulators and advocates. While DEQ claims the new standards provide regulatory predictability, environmental groups argue vague rules make proving scientific problems and triggering necessary action difficult.
- Officials have implemented 91 pollutant categories and spent $1.3 million on erosion and vegetation projects to date. Brian Wheeler of Save Wild Trout collected data over several years, urging the state to acknowledge the river's declining health.
- Local viewpoints remain divided on the impairment designation. Glen Rancher Erik Kalsta questioned using snapshots to characterize the river, while Upper Missouri Waterkeeper executive director Guy Alsentzer welcomed the move but criticized the agency's pattern of delays.
- Worsening conditions will be added to the state's next Water Quality Integrated Report, expected next year. The Environmental Protection Agency must approve the impairment declaration, and EPA approval would unlock additional federal funding for restoring the Big Hole River.
16 Articles
16 Articles
ABC FOX Montana
DEQ proposes Big Hole River as ‘impaired’
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, which follows significant legal pressure from advocacy organizations. The river has seen warm water, large algae blooms and dead trout, worrying both environmental groups and the…
DEQ shares data and concerns about health of Big Hole River
DIVIDE - Conservation groups and the DEQ continue to focus on the health of the Big Hole River. This blue-ribbon river is important to outfitters, ranchers and folks like me who just like to fish.Theres many groups and organizations that are looking into and care about the Big Hole Watershed and want to do whats right to help improve it, DEQ Water Quality Planning Andy Ulven said.WATCH: Montana's Big Hole River is under the microscope Big Hole R…
DEQ proposes Big Hole River as ‘impaired’ - Stateline Publications
Fisherman are pictured on the Big Hole River near Wise River, Montana. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan)The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, which follows significant legal pressure from advocacy organizations. The river has seen warm water, large algae blooms and dead trout, worrying both environmental groups and the guides who make their livelihood taking visitors fishing on one of Monta…
DEQ proposes Big Hole River as ‘impaired’ - The Mexico Ledger
Fisherman are pictured on the Big Hole River near Wise River, Montana. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan)The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, which follows significant legal pressure from advocacy organizations. The river has seen warm water, large algae blooms and dead trout, worrying both environmental groups and the guides who make their livelihood taking visitors fishing on one of Monta…
DEQ proposes Big Hole River as ‘impaired’ - Seward Independent
Fisherman are pictured on the Big Hole River near Wise River, Montana. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan)The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, which follows significant legal pressure from advocacy organizations. The river has seen warm water, large algae blooms and dead trout, worrying both environmental groups and the guides who make their livelihood taking visitors fishing on one of Monta…
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