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.