DEQ extends comment period for Yaak River Watershed Plan

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended the public comment period on the Yaak River Watershed Sediment Total Maximum Daily Loads until Jan. 14, 2008.

In simple terms, a total maximum daily load (TMDL) is a plan to reach and maintain water quality standards in waters that are not currently meeting them. The waters not currently meeting water quality standards in the Yaak River Watershed are identified and described in the Yaak River Watershed Sediment TMDL. The document also presents a draft plan to reach and maintain water quality standards in all of those waters considered impaired.

A public information meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008 at the Troy Senior Citizen's Center in Troy. The evening meeting will be held from 7-9 p.m. Representatives from the DEQ will provide a short presentation, followed by an open house forum to provide information about the document, answer questions, and engage in discussion.

The draft document is available on the DEQ web site at www.deq.mt.gov and copies on CD's are available from the Lincoln Conservation District, the USFS Troy Ranger Station, and also at the State Library in Helena. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2008. Comments may be mailed to Montana Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901, or emailed to TMDLComments@mt.gov .

For more information, document availability or other questions, please contact Pete Schade, DEQ, at (406)444-6771, or by e-mail at pschade@mt.gov . The DEQ will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this open house. If anyone requires an accommodation, please contact Angie Hayden (406) 444-6749.