Members and leaders of the Fort Belknap Tribes pressed a Montana state board to strengthen mining rules to prevent water pollution.

Tribal representatives repeatedly cited the need to protect water from mining activities. Their water has been tainted by the former Zortman-Landusky gold mine, which borders the southern end of the reservation and is requiring a major cleanup effort.

The new rule proposed by the Montana Board of Environmental Review would require water contamination to be cleaned up by the time reclamation work is finished, The Great Falls Tribune reported. The mining industry is opposing the change.

Get the Story:
Groups ask for stricter water pollution rules (The Great Falls Tribune 1/12)

Relevant BLM Documents:
Record of Decision | Final Environmental Impact Statement

Relevant Links:
Fort Belknap Community Council - http://tlc.wtp.net/fort.htm

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