UNAPPROVED DRAFT BILL -- Subject to Change Without Notice!
JOINT RESOLUTION NO.
INTRODUCED BY
(Primary Sponsor)
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO REQUIRE A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE MILLTOWN DAM SITE AND ASSOCIATED AQUIFERS.
WHEREAS, the Milltown Dam Site, near Missoula, is one element of a broad federal Superfund Program remediation and cleanup project in western Montana; and
WHEREAS, contaminated sediments behind the Milltown Dam have damaged the aquifer in the area of the Dam to the detriment of current and future residents; and
WHEREAS, the past and current uncontrolled periodic release of sediments from behind the Milltown Dam has caused damage to the aquatic environment of the Clark Fork River below the Dam and these releases will continue to do so for an indefinite time into the future unless appropriate solutions are implemented; and
WHEREAS, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not finalized the preferred approach for remediation and cleanup associated with the Milltown Dam Site; and
WHEREAS, that decision by the EPA will impact the long-term welfare of the citizens of Montana and the ecosystems of the Clark Fork River Basin and its tributaries far beyond the likely corporate longevity of the parties responsible for the Milltown Dam Site; and
WHEREAS, a decision by the EPA is currently pending until September 2001, thereby providing an opportunity for the Legislature to comment on its preference for an appropriate long-term solution to protect the Clark Fork River and its associated aquifers and natural values and to protect Montana communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the federal EPA be urged to incorporate into its record of decision regarding the Milltown Dam Site a long-term solution to the problem of contaminated sediment located at and behind the Milltown Dam that will eliminate current and future damages to the ecosystem and eliminate or reduce any costs to the present and future citizens of Montana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the long-term solution to the contamination at the Milltown Dam Site should fully and completely protect from further contamination the local aquifers and the Clark Fork River below the Dam.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the EPA require complete removal of the contaminated sediments if that is the only way to achieve the goals expressed in this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the Montana Congressional Delegation, the Chief Executive Officers of the owner of the Milltown Dam and the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company, and the Director, the Region 8 Administrator, and the Montana State Office Director of the Environmental Protection Agency.
- END -
Latest Version of LC 878 (LC0878.01)
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