Proposed gravel pit near Elbow Lake sees public outcry

A potential gravel pit is being proposed for an undeveloped area near Elbow Lake, in Greenough, and the residents of the area are voicing concerns about noise pollution and disruptions to wildlife in hopes of stopping the project from moving forward.

The 21.2 acre gravel pit would be just off of Highway 83, south of Salmon Lake and near Elbow Lake in Greenough. LHC Construction, the Kalispell-based outfit being subcontracted by Kiewit for the project, says the pit and its accompanying asphalt production operation would provide gravel and asphalt for the nearby construction project through October 2024.

Testing on the proposed site on Highway 83, north of the road to Elbow Lake and west of the Wildlife Management Area, (Game Range) has already been completed. But permits to begin digging are still in process.

"In January 2023, test pits were excavated, material samples were taken, and the holes were filled back in," said Kristen Baker-Dickinson Clearwater Unit Manager Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. (DNRC) "Based upon what was observed and tested the site was deemed to be a good source of aggregate material for gravel development."

The company seeks to mine, crush and remove aggregate from the DNRC managed State Lands site including a permit to put an asphalt plant on the site.

The proposed site is on State of Montana School Trust Lands, administered by the DNRC.

Montana lands in section 16 and 32 are designated as "School Trust lands" as part of a program to put land use profits in the public interest. Income producing activities held on these sections benefit funds for the educational entities associated with each respective section.

Over time, through land trades and sales the section numbers have changed in different locations. The proposed Elbow Lake gravel pit is in section 20. Funds from activities in that section go to Pine Hills School, Montana's state reform school, located in Miles City. Section 20 income includes the cabin leases on Elbow Lake that brought in $143,000.

Each of the 14 distinct Land Trust beneficiaries are educational including public schools, Montana State University, veterans home, University of Montana, Montana State Hospital and Pine Hills. They receive interest income from over five million acres of forestry, grazing, mining and cabin lease ground. Trust lands contribute 5.2% of Pine Hill's annual funding, said the Office of Public Instruction in their 2022 report.

In 2017 LHC applied for a gravel permit for the Elbow Lake site as well, seeking to use gravel in a different highway project north of Seeley Lake. The application was canceled when LHC found an alternative site for material used in that repaving project.

But despite the permits not being successful in 2017, LHC is trying again.

Residents of Elbow Lake and surrounding areas have many concerns about the proposed gravel pit and the proximity to homes, wildlife and traffic.

"I am very concerned about the dust produced by mining gravel," said Libby Langston, who lives near Elbow Lake. "I expect the dust would impact traffic and wildlife visibility which would add potential for accidents and wildlife mortality. I have seen grizzly bears, mountain lions, beavers, otters, elk, and whitetail from my front deck."

The DNRC received 22 comments regarding the gravel test work in January 2023. Local landowners have been expressing concern about noise, wildlife and changes to quality of life since then in hopes that their concerns aren't left out of the DNRC's consideration.

"Our family owns Lot 29 at Elbow Lake and has enjoyed recreating there since the 1970s," said Heather Schwenck. "The area is sacred to our family and one we plan to continue to love and pass it on to generations for years to come."

"The idea of a gravel pit, so close to our cherished family cabin, is unthinkable," Schwenk said. "We are concerned, not only about the increase in noise and traffic but also about the impact on the air and water quality. This is not an appropriate place to consider a gravel pit and if allowed, it will have many negative impacts on the wildlife, the landscape, and the people who've enjoyed the quiet and beauty of Elbow Lake for many years."

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires a permit for any open-cut mine. Open-cut mines work is performed from the surface. The DEQ permit sets parameters for operations, bonding and reclamation.

DNRC requires a permit for proposed mining actions on Montana State Trust Lands. This permit determines a contract of payment for aggregate royalties. It may also include further stipulations implemented by DNRC.

LHC has applied for the two necessary permits but neither have been approved at this time.

"The pit will be used intermittently based on need," said Zack Winfield, a petroleum engineer for the DNRC.

According to the DEQ, Open-cut Mining Permit application submitted by LHC, the reclamation date is set for December 2040.

The Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) requires state agencies to conduct an environmental analysis of proposed permit sites to consider all the factors necessary in making a decision. Both the DNRC and DEQ will be performing environmental analysis to aid in decision making for the permit.

Currently the DNRC is in the process of scoping the environmental assessment, according to Winfield. According to DNRC policy, all open-cut mine proposals must be examined

Residents hope that the agency finds another suitable location for the gravel, as they did in 2017. While the need for the road work project is unquestionable, the location of the open-cut mine may not be.

"I wouldn't say this construction project is contingent on getting that in any way," said Mike George, Kiewiet Project Manager for the Salmon Lake area project.

The Department is accepting written public comment pertaining to the project during a standard 30-day period which opened March 16, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. (MST) and will end atl 5:00 p.m. (MST) on April 16, 2023.

For further information on the proposed project and to submit a written comment online visit: https://dnrc.mt.gov/TrustLand/subsurface-resources/Elbow-Lake-Gravel-Project. Comments may be also submitted by mail to this address: Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Minerals Management Bureau, Attn: Zack Winfield, 1539 11th Ave, Helena, MT, 59601.

At time of print, Elbow Lake Open-cut was not listed under DEQ permits.

Email public comments to deqopencut@mt.gov or write to:

P.O. Box 200901

Helena, MT 59620