Comments reviewed, redevelopment sites requested

SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Community Council reviewed public comments on the final draft of the Swan Valley Regional Plan at their regular monthly meeting Oct.16. Missoula County Community and Planning Services presented the opportunity for the valley to help identify sites containing potentially hazardous materials. The Council also discussed a possible shooting range and were informed that free smoke alarms are available through Swan Valley Emergency Services.

Council members agreed to make no changes after reviewing public comments pertaining to the goals, policies and actions of the second element entitled Economic Development.

Missoula County Community and Planning Services Grants Administrator Sindie Kennedy gave a presentation about an opportunity to assess areas that may contain hazardous substances. She is applying for a $300,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant from the EPA to receive assistance with property redevelopment of those sites.

Kennedy asked those in attendance to identify properties in the area that may be impacted by hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants such as gas station sites, wood treatment facilities, former landfills or meth houses. Kennedy added that Brownfields is voluntary and the funds are used for assessment. It is not used to conduct testing, cleanup or for enforcement. However, they can be used for planning cleanup and reuse. Redevelopment can aid in stimulating the economy by making the property useful again she said.

Identify potential sites by visiting https://www.sureveymonkey.com/r/MissoulaCountyBrownfields. The deadline is Nov. 9. For more information contact Kennedy at 406-258-3688 or skennedy@missoulacounty.us

In other business, the council discussed a potential community shooting range undertaking and what they could do in that process. The members agreed that it was not the SVCC’s role to spearhead the project but to encourage and support community members who want to become involved with the process.

Dan Maloughney with the Swan Valley Emergency Services told those in attendance that the SVES is partnering with the Red Cross to offer smoke alarms to community members at no cost to them. Three members are certified by the Red Cross to install the alarms. Those interested are asked to contact either John Tapp, Randy Williams or Maloughney to make an appointment to have the battery operated alarms installed. Maloughney said that the smoke alarm batteries that the Red Cross has procured are said to last the lifetime of the alarm, eliminating the need to change them each year.

At a special meeting Oct. 23, 7 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall, SVCC members will review public comments starting with the third element entitled Land Use.