Date: May 31, 2006
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895
Contact: Mary Riddle, 406 888-7898

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park officials announce the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the effects of proposed improvements to utilities at the Belly River Ranger Station Historic District in the park. The EA is now available for public review and comment; comments are due by June 9, 2006. While this deadline is a two-week review period, rather than the normal 30 day review period, resource conditions and scheduling necessitate a compressed review.

The EA analyzes two alternatives: a “no action alternative” which would maintain the current utility conditions, and a “preferred alternative” which would make improvements to the water, sewer, and propane systems. The preferred alternative would construct a new water intake filtration system, new septic system with leach field, and install 40 feet of new propane lines. Approximately 2000 feet of trenching would be required. The park proposes to use an excavator that would be flown into the site; up to six helicopter flights would be required to deliver needed material.

Comments can be provided directly through the park’s planning website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkId=61) by selecting this project. Or write to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Belly River Utilities EA, West Glacier, Montana 59936.