HELENA – The Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on an Opencut mining permit application for a 26.5-acre site known as Cottonwood Pit located approximately four miles East of Seeley Lake in Powell County. Deer Creek Excavating, LLC submitted the Permit application.
DEQ will hold a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Elementary School located at 200 School Lane in Seeley Lake. DEQ specialists will provide information during the open house portion of the meeting (6 – 6:30 p.m.). During the question and answer portion (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.) DEQ will provide a short presentation after which citizens will be able to ask questions to our panel of participants. And lastly, during the public comment portion (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) citizens will have the opportunity to provide oral comments about the proposed application. Written comments will also be accepted.
The permit application can be viewed at https://searchopencutpermits.mt.gov/ by entering “Cottonwood” in the “Site Name” box and clicking the “Submit” button.
DEQ must assess the application under a tight schedule and is seeking relevant information from citizens with knowledge of local conditions. If comments received reveal substantial issues not adequately satisfied in the proposed Plan of Operation, DEQ can conduct an extended review of the application.
DEQ must make this determination by Nov. 14. Therefore, it is recommended that citizens submit comments before Nov. 9. Written comments can also be submitted at the meeting, or by email using the “Public Comment for Deer Creek Excavating, LLC – Cottonwood Site” link under “Opencut News” at http://deq.mt.gov/Land/opencut, or by U.S. Mail addressed to the DEQ Opencut Mining Section, PO Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901.
The DEQ will make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities who wish to participate in the meeting. If you require an accommodation, please contact Elizabeth Smith at 406-755-8965 or by email at: ESmith@mt.gov.
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