Date: July 20, 2007
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895
Contact: Jim Foster, 406 888-7974
Contact: Mary Riddle, 406 888-7898

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Officials at Glacier National Park announce that an environmental assessment (EA) for proposed improvements to the sewage system and wasterwater treatment facilities in the Many Glacier Valley is available for public review. Comments are due by August 14, 2007.

Both the sewage and treatment systems are over 30 years old and are showing signs of deterioration. The park proposes to improve and rehabilitate parts of the sewage lines and treatment system to meet current permitting requirements of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.  

Two alternatives are analyzed: a no action alternative which would maintain the current sewage system conditions and a preferred alternative. The preferred alternative would replace or re-line the sewer pipes coming from the Swiftcurrent developed area and the force mains from both the Swiftcurrent and Many Glacier Districts; upgrade the Swiftcurrent lift station; make several improvements to the control building, headworks, lagoon, percolation ponds; and install fencing at the wastewater treatment plant. The resources that would be affected by the alternatives are archeological resources, soils, wildlife, special status species, water quality, and park operations.

A copy of the EA can be obtained by visiting the park’s planning Web site at:  http://parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkId=61 and then selecting this project. A copy can also be obtained by writing the address below or calling 406-888-7978. Comments can be submitted via the same park planning Web site or write to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Many Glacier WWTP EA, West Glacier, Montana 59936. This EA will be on public review for 30 days. Please provide comments by August 14, 2007.

- NPS -