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DEQ to Host Smith River Water Quality Studies and Restoration Open House

Department of Environmental Quality
  • December 18 2024
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites the public to an open house at the Meagher County Community Center on Jan. 16 to discuss the findings of two water quality studies and a Smith River Watershed Restoration Plan. 
The public meeting will occur on Jan. 16 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Meagher County Community Center located at 101 1st Ave SE, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. DEQ and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will have staff available to answer questions about the studies, and ways DEQ and the public can contribute to a healthier Smith River. 
The first study explores the causes of increased algal blooms observed by recreators along the Smith River. In 2015, DEQ began monitoring algae and investigating potential causes. The algae study found that Cladophora glomerata was the dominant algae species responsible for the excess growth. The primary driver of the increase in algae is rising temperatures, especially in late spring and early summer when nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are high due to normal runoff.  
The second study established baseline information about major ion and metal concentrations. The study found that metals concentrations are generally low throughout the Smith River. Within the watershed, some tributaries contribute higher metal concentrations due to natural weathering processes as well as human disturbances since the 1800s. The metals study summarizes conditions prior to any construction or mine development at the Black Butte Copper Project, which has not yet started any mining, water management, or water discharge. 
The draft Smith River Watershed Restoration Plan also identifies reduced stream flows, floodplain and streamside vegetation loss, increased erosion, and pollution from E. coli and nutrients as contributors to water quality issues. The plan recommends projects to improve water quality, and it increases eligibility for grant funding for restoration projects. 
Visit DEQ’s website for more information about the upcoming meeting or to read the Smith River Study: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publicmeetings-folder/smith-river-open-house-2024
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