Gail Waldby ❌👑Mar 14
MTDEQ Dryland Opencut Mine Permits are Changing: Your comments are needed! The Montana DEQ put forward a plan that will change how they permit dryland mines, including gravel pits. #MTPol #Montana #MTDEQ

deq.mt.gov/files/Land/Ope...
Show threadGail Waldby ❌👑Mar 14
This proposal departs from individual site analysis, opting instead for a generalized "Programmatic Environmental Assessment" that provides a one-size-fits-all checklist for future mines under 50 acres.
Show threadGail Waldby ❌👑Mar 14
Instead of considering a location's unique geography, the DEQ wants to use a rubber-stamp approach to expedite permit processing. Read the Proposed Plan deq.mt.gov/files/Land/O...

deq.mt.gov/files/Land/Ope...
Show threadGail Waldby ❌👑Mar 14
With the DEQ's formal public comment period open now, we must remind the state that a simple checklist cannot replace the environmental protections guaranteed by our constitution.
Show threadGail Waldby ❌👑
Make it clear: we expect real oversight, robust public engagement, and we won't stand by while our public lands are handed over for industrial profit at the cost of our clean and healthful environment.
Mar 14 at 2:45pmWeb
Show threadGail Waldby ❌👑Mar 14
Comment Period Closes: March 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM Submit Digital Comments To: [email protected] (Please include "Programmatic EA" in the subject of your email) Submit Written Comments To: Opencut Section Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901