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Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406 888-7895 Contact: Mary Riddle, 406 888-7898 WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Officials at Glacier National Park seek comments to help in the preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) for proposed improvements to the sewage system and wastewater treatment facilities in the Many Glacier Valley. The project would be conducted in phases starting in 2008 and would take approximately four to five years to complete. “Both the sewage and treatment systems are over 30 years old and are showing signs of deterioration,” stated Superintendent Mick Holm. “Because this project would require that the sewage system be shut down at both Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent, most of the work would be conducted outside of the summer visitor season.” The Many Glacier wastewater treatment facility was built in 1975 and is located approximately two miles east of the Many Glacier Hotel. The facility is operated from May to October and consists of headworks, an aerated lagoon, percolation ponds, and a control building. There are deficiencies with the aeration system within the lagoon and the original lagoon liner has been damaged several times. In addition, the lagoon’s recirculation system is inoperable due to pump failure. Improvements and repairs are also proposed for the control building, the percolation ponds, and the surrounding fence. The existing sewer system collects waste from Swiftcurrent and Many Glacier. According to a recent engineering report, the lines from Swiftcurrent are narrow, have become temporarily blocked during operation, and do not meet Montana Department of Environment quality standards. The Many Glacier sewage lines, including all pipes running to the main line, were repaired or replaced during rehabilitation of the hotel between 2002 and 2004. Minor modifications to the Swiftcurrent lift station are also proposed to enhance safety and efficiency for operators. Scoping is an early and open process which occurs prior to the development of an EA. Scoping comments are used to identify issues and alternatives that should be addressed in the EA. Once the EA has been written, the public is given the opportunity to comment on the document. Comments can be provided directly through the park’s planning website (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkId=61) by selecting this project. Or write to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Many Glacier WWTP EA, West Glacier, Montana 59936. Comments are due by July 31, 2006. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015