The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has drafted a new Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to replace an existing permit issued in 2006 for the Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC) Libby Creek Adit, located south of Libby in Lincoln County.
The Libby Exploration Project involves underground exploration for silver and copper ores. MMC is authorized to conduct limited development of the Libby Creek evaluation adit, although any further development would require additional approvals. The new Draft Permit specifically addresses wastewater discharges resulting from previously authorized exploration activities, excluding any discharges related to active mining operations.
The wastewater in question includes both stormwater runoff and treated mine drainage that has been combined with stormwater. The Draft Permit outlines the water quality standards that must be met before any wastewater can be discharged back into Montana’s water bodies. If approved, this Draft Permit will replace the existing 2006 permit, which DEQ aims to terminate. A renewal permit was issued in 2017 but was vacated by the Montana Supreme Court in 2020 following legal challenges.
DEQ is now seeking public input on two related matters: the termination of the 2006 permit (MT0032158) and the associated draft Environmental Assessment, prepared in accordance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act.
Public comments on these proposals will be accepted until December 6, 2024. For more information on the Draft Permit, Fact Sheet, and draft Environmental Assessment, as well as details on how to submit comments, interested parties can visit the DEQ’s website.