MILLTOWN SUPERFUND SITE MISSOULA COUNTY, MT

Geol 361 - Michael Armstrong & Heather Pung

History of Milltown Dam

Built between 1905 and 1908 Supplied power Major flood of 1908

www.meic.org/.../stimson-hist-pic.jpg/view

www.meic.org/.../image_view_fullscreen

Superfund Site

-Definition of a Superfund Site-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) roles in a Superfund site

www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/science/27dam.html

Pollution Problems

Leeching of arsenic

Polluted drinking water

Copper in sediments

http://mt.water.usgs.gov/projects/clarkfork/images/Milltown%20Dam.jpgwww.flickr.com/.../lucidaphotographic/251151519

Objective for Milltown Restoration restore the river channels at the confluence to be

naturally functioning and self-maintaining maintain water quality provide high quality habitat for fish and wildlife improve aesthetic values in the area by creating

a diverse, natural setting provide functional wetland and riparian

communities provide safe recreational opportunities such as

river boating, fishing and trail access for hiking and bicycling (EPA website)

The Process

Remove sediments

Remove the dam and powerhouse

Restore the Milltown drinking water supply

Allow unrestricted fish passage

Return the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers to a more natural flow.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3691968042_d6815c9125.jpg

http://www.cfwep.org/education/5-8/blackfootfishid/milltown_aerial.jpg

How is this being done?

http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/05/27/science/27dam.graphic.ready.html

Dam Removal Process

http://www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/mt/milltown/cfrdiversionphotos.html

1 2

3

4

Dam Removal Process Continued

http://www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/mt/milltown/cfrdiversionphotos.html

5

6

3Rs: Remediation, Restoration, and Redevelopment

http://epa.gov/region8/superfund/mt/milltown/MilltownPark.pdf

Remediation: Dam and sediment removal

Restoration: Returning natural functions of the rivers

Redevelopment: New development to benefit the surrounding communities

Lessons Learned

Mining contamination Effects of groundwater contamination Dam affects on rivers Process of superfund projects PREVENTION

Sediment contamination Polluted aquifers, rivers and streams

Sources

Hammer, Diana. "Breaching the Milltown Dam." US EPA. 31 Mar 2008. EPA, Web. 8 Nov 2009. <http://www.epa.gov/region8/superfund/mt/milltown/>.Matthews, Mark. "Environmentalists Want a Small Montana Dam Removed." CNR. 245.1 (2000): Print.

Robbins, Jim. "Montana Dam is Breached, Slowly, to Restore a Superfund Site." New York Times 27 May 2008: F.3. Print.

Tuthill, A.M. "Effects of proposed dam removal on ice jamming and bridge scour on the Clark Fork River, Montana." Cold Regions Science and Technology. 55. (2009): 186-194. Print.