In 1982 arsenic was discovered in the drinking water of Milltown residents. The area was declared a superfund site. Although an alternative drinking water supply was established, it was decided that a permanent solution to the toxic infiltration of the groundwater be accomplished. Almost 30 years later, an unprecedented cleanup is about to be completed resulting in the removal of the Milltown and Bonner dams, the rebuliding of the Clark Fork River floodplain, and ultimately, clean drinking water for the citizens living near the confluence.
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General
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Russ Forba is retiring
 You're invited to his retirement party:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
6-9 pm at Bonner Park in Missoula
(corner of Hastings and Hilda)
As EPA Milltown Project Manager, Russ has successfully guided the removal of the Milltown Dam and Reservoir Sediments, laying the groundwork for safe drinking water, restored rivers and fishery!
While it's hard to say good-bye, please join us as we gather for a pot-luck to wish Russ good luck in his retirement.
PLEASE BRING:
a dish to pass
plates, silverware
your favorite beverage(s) in non-breakable containers
comfy lawn chairs
For more information or directions, contact Peter Nielsen, 258-4968.
Sponsored by: Milltown Redevelopment Working Group, Missoula County, Clark Fork Coalition, CFRTAC, Friends of Two Rivers
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Remember the Ice Jam of '96? |
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General
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Written by Chuck Erickson
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The decision to leave the Milltown Dam in place was about to be made when Mother Nature cast her vote. The ice jam of '96 threatened the Dam and resulted in the scouring of toxic sediments which damaged aquatic life downstream. The subsequent decision was to drain the reservoir, remove the 2.6 million cubic yards of contaminated sediments, and remove the Milltown Dam.
Thanks to Chuck Erickson for these historic photos of the Ice Jam of '96.
The ice jam destroyed the footbridge above Bonner.
The ice jam surrounded the abandoned bridge piers above Bonner.
The ice jam on the Clark Fork flooded Erickson's farm.
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River Remediation Spring 2009 |
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Confluence Remediation
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It's Sedimentary, My Dear Watson |
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Clark Fork River Remediation
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Written by Gary Matson
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Recent Missoulian articles called attention to the issue of sediment movement downstream from the Milltown Superfund site, during and following the breach of the dam. Concerns about possible effects of the downstream sediments were addressed at an October 15th EPA public meeting in Bonner. Here are some highlights:
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Confluence Remediation
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Written by Several contributors
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Q: Does leaving the Powerhouse at Milltown Dam negatively effect restoration of the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers?
A: Yes. It is in the 5 year flood plain and seasonal high water would cause a “backwater effect,” depositing sediments damaging to aquatic life upstream of the Powerhouse.
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