[MCN] Friends of the Jocko to challenge MT DEQ in court over gravel pit/asphalt plant

[Friends of the Jocko]

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Legal Challenge Underway

Dear Friends,

As you may know, Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently issued a permit to Riverside Contracting to develop and operate a 157 acre gravel pit and asphalt plant near Arlee. Our lawyers advise us that the permit was issued in violation of DEQ’s own regulations and also in violation of Montana’s Environmental Protection Act (MEPA). Our lawyers feel optimistic that we might prevail in litigation against DEQ. 

However, litigation is very expensive and the outcome uncertain. DEQ received 9 times as many public comments on this project as they typically receive for open cut permits. Comments addressed noise, dust, air toxins, traffic, impacts on ground and surface water, impacts on wildlife, and impacts on cultural resources as Arlee is designated as culturally important area to the Salish people. MEPA requires that DEQ take a hard look at the issues raised. Yet, DEQ ignored or dismissed these issues. 

Friends of the Jocko recently hosted a community meeting to update folks on the status of our efforts. Attendees were supportive of continuing our opposition to the gravel pit. A decision was made to continue fundraising and file a legal challenge based on the inadequate environmental assessment conducted by DEQ. The financial commitment is daunting. 

Please donate what you can. Please help us spread the word.

Thank you for helping to protect the peace, beauty, and environmental quality of the Jocko Valley.
Donate Now
 <https://friendsofthejocko.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8cddae8c9d71cb372eedee7a1&id=f5a017d03c&e=c64700c04a>
Help protect the Jocko Valley!

Our Website
 <https://friendsofthejocko.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8cddae8c9d71cb372eedee7a1&id=863b93dda0&e=c64700c04a>
How can you join in?
Spread the word. We need everyone in our community, and beyond, to know about the damaging effects this project could bring to our lives. Please direct them to our website and social media.
Donate. We need resources to pay for the law firm we have hired, to pay for expert reports and to do outreach in the community.
Share our posts on Facebook <https://friendsofthejocko.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8cddae8c9d71cb372eedee7a1&id=cd28207c07&e=c64700c04a> and Instagram <https://friendsofthejocko.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8cddae8c9d71cb372eedee7a1&id=d6d5983667&e=c64700c04a> so that we can reach more people.
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Our mailing address is:

Friends of the Jocko
PO Box 712
Arlee, MT 59821-0712

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