On September 20th, 2011, MEIC sent a notice letter charging that the Montana DEQ has neglected to protect streams and rivers from coal mining throughout the state. The agency now has 60 days to begin addressing the water quality and supply issues caused by coal mining, or it will face a lawsuit to protect Montana’s waters.

The letter alleges that the DEQ has repeatedly issued coal-mining permits without properly considering the effects on water quality and quantity, as is required by law. Montana law requires the DEQ to ensure that mining companies have plans in place to address water quality and quantity issues caused by coal strip mines before the mines are permitted. Specifically, the notice letter is focused on DEQ’s failure to consider the impacts of the Rosebud mine, located east of Billings, which feeds the Colstrip power plant. 

Read the press release.

Read the 60-day notice letter.