Montana ranchers downstream of coal mines say their livelihoods are threatened by pollution and disrupted water-flows, and they are demanding that state regulators follow laws intended to prevent such conflicts. “Montana’s water belongs to everyone – we all depend on it,” said rancher Doug McRae, who lives near Colstrip. “State regulators are asleep at the switch and need to wake up. Without clean water, I simply can’t run my business. McRae and other ranchers say they have tried repeatedly to get the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to address how coal mining impacts the quality and quantity of ground and surface waters in eastern Montana. With their pleas falling on deaf ears, the ranchers say they have no other choice but to seek legal assistance. They have teamed with conservation groups to file a notice of intent to sue the state on behalf of eastern Montana ranchers. The notice letter, sent today, charges that the DEQ has neglected to protect streams and rivers from coal mining throughout the state. The agency now has 60 days to begin addressing the water quality and supply impacts caused by coal mining or it will face a lawsuit to protect Montana’s waters. DEQ has repeatedly issued coal-mining permits without properly considering the effects on water quality and quantity, as required by law, the letter argues...
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