---

NEWS

First phase of the Clark Fork River cleanup nears completion
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has successfully completed the bulk of the first phase of the Clark Fork River cleanup project near Warm Springs, Mont.

NWS holds Ice Jam Awareness Day
The Montana National Weather Service offices established this day several years ago as a means to remind people about the dangers of ice jams as we move into the height of Montana's ice jam season.

What a new water plan could mean for state climate policy
A Democratic state representative believes a new water plan being developed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) may provide a vehicle for inserting more climate science into state policy.

Manhattan to receive $750K for water system improvements
Governor Steve Bullock and Montana Department of Commerce Director Meg O'Leary announced the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) grant on Tuesday. 

Missouri River power generation sub-par in 2013
Electric power generation from the Missouri River's six upstream dams fell far below average in 2013, as water was kept in reservoirs to make up for a dry 2012, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Otter's water: Governor aims to build dams Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter aims to build billions of dollars' worth of new and expanded dams as part of his dream of capturing more water in the drought-stricken southern desert of Idaho to irrigate potatoes, grow cities and industry, and flush endangered salmon to the sea.

Study: Deicing fluid reaches groundwater
A new U.S. Geological Survey study has determined that deicing fluids sprayed on planes at Jackson Hole Airport have likely seeped into underlying groundwater.

Judge: Oil pipeline work can proceed
Construction of a pipeline to transport Bakken crude oil can continue during a legal dispute over a 58-year-old easement across pastureland in southeastern Montana, a federal judge ruled.

4 states confirm water pollution from drilling
In at least four states that have nurtured the nation's energy boom, hundreds of complaints have been made about well-water contamination from oil or gas drilling, and pollution was confirmed in a number of them, according to a review that casts doubt on industry suggestions that such problems rarely happen.

New report on Flathead Indian water rights compact does little to dampen controversy
A new report on the Flathead tribal water rights agreement did little to dampen controversy over the proposed pact, as water users from both sides Monday once again fiercely disputed the agreement’s effects.

Moose chaser fined by Forest Service
A Kalispell snowboarder recorded on video chasing a moose down a slope at Whitefish Mountain Resort has been fined for harassing wildlife.

Hydrants Exempt from the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act 
A successful political campaign by the nation's drinking water community resulted in fire hydrants being exempted from the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. 

USEPA Publishes Report on Importance of Water to U.S. Economy 
The report states, "The path to making better choices in using and managing our water resources begins with a better understanding of the economic and environmental consequences of the options available to us."
   

---

If you would like something included in the Watershed News please email info@mtwatersheds.org!