Opencut Mining Application for Fire Gravel Pit Open for Public Comment

• Moira Davin
• March 09 2022

HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on an opencut mining permit application to mine gravel on a 14.4-acre site known as the Fire Site located approximately nine miles south of Libby in Lincoln County. The standard opencut permit application has been submitted by Thompson Contracting, Inc.

DEQ will host a hybrid public meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 that can be accessed in-person, by phone or online. The meeting will feature an open house followed by a presentation with time for questions and comment. For those joining in person, DEQ staff will be available before the hybrid public meeting, from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with an opportunity for the public to speak with the experts one-on-one.

What: A hybrid public meeting on the Fire gravel pit.

When: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. for in-person attendees (Open House)

Where: The hybrid meeting will have both an online and in-person option. To access the online portion, please visit: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/news-article54

The in-person portion of the meeting will be held at the Libby City Hall in the Ponderosa Room (952 E Spruce. Libby, Mont.)

DEQ is accepting public comment on the Fire site throughout the entire permitting process. However, public comments submitted by April 1, 2022 would help inform DEQ of the public’s concern prior to their statutory due date, which requires a permitting decision by DEQ (i.e. approval/deficiency letter). DEQ is seeking relevant information from those with knowledge of local conditions. Comments may be submitted electronically or by mail. To view the associated documents and submit comment, visit: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/news-article54