Mining and mineral fuel development in the Montana statewide 208 study area: implications to water quality. Final report

Mining of mineral commodities and mineral fuels has touched virtually every major drainage basin in western and central Montana. With the discovery of natural gas in the eastern portion of the Rockies, and an expanded potential development of bentonite and lignite in eastern Montana, mining has become of significance to the whole state. The objectives of this project are to assess the significance of existing mining related impacts to water quality, assess future mining developments in the state, assess the adequacy of existing statutes and their administration, and develop management strategies to correct old problems and avoid future problems. This investigation evaluates the extent of past, present, and future mining development in the 42 county Statewide 208 Study Area of Montana. Thirty-six mineral commodities, as well as four mineral fuels, are evaluated as to their development potential. Specific and general water quality impacts associated with mining and mineral fuel developments are examined. Specific mining impacts are cited, based on a comprehensive interview program conducted throughout the Statewide 208 Area