• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

DEQ Requests Comments on Spanish Peaks Snowmaking Project Near Big Sky

February 8, 2025

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting a second round of comments on a proposed Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit for snowmelt associated with snowmaking using treated wastewater on Spirit Mountain, Andesite Mountain, and the Spanish Peaks base area near Big Sky. 

Spanish Peaks Mountain Club (Spanish Peaks) applied to DEQ for a Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) permit to discharge disinfected and treated wastewater to tributaries of the Middle Fork West Fork Gallatin River upon snowmelt. DEQ previously issued a draft permit and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the snowmaking project in May 2024 for public comment.  

The newest drafts reflect changes made after DEQ reviewed information submitted during the 2024 public comment period. 

If the MPDES permit is finalized, it would allow Spanish Peaks to source treated wastewater from Big Sky County Water and Sewer District wastewater treatment facility for use in snowmaking. The permit would authorize Spanish Peaks to discharge the resulting runoff from snowmelt to tributaries of the Middle Fork West Fork Gallatin River. The permit proposes limits on pollutants that can be in the treated wastewater and would require additional monitoring of the snowmelt and stream.    

Snowmaking activities would add to natural snowpack and recharge of ground water in the area. The permit specifies snowmaking would occur between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 each year (dependent on weather conditions) with a maximum of 76 days of snowmaking. Most snowmaking is anticipated to occur mid-November to mid-December. 

DEQ is accepting public comments on MPDES permit MT0032174 and the associated draft EA from Feb. 3 – March 6. Visit https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/PN-MT-25-02-MT0032174 to view the documents and learn how to submit a comment. 

Provided By: Department of Environmental Quality

Filed Under: News

Related Articles:

  • President Trump Signs Senator Sheehy’s Aerial Firefighting Bill Into Law
  • DOJ Warns of Scam Texts Impersonating Motor Vehicle Division
  • UM Cadaver Lab Project Extends Learning Long After Death
  • Gallatin College MSU carpentry students build better future for local nonprofits
  • Montana Historical Society Launches Final Fundraising Push for Montana Heritage Center
  • Commerce Awards Nearly $500,000 to Boost Rural Economic Growth in Montana

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • North Dakota to Celebrate Grand Opening of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
  • Montana Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lee Enterprises Following Cyberattack
  • VA slams Democrat governor for falsely claiming vets could be denied care
  • Montana State names 2025 presidential scholars

Recent Politics Posts

  • Gianforte Praises Supreme Court Ruling
  • Zinke Urges Interior Secretary to Act on Projected Low Flathead Lake Levels
  • Senator Daines Leads Bipartisan Push to Celebrate “Great Outdoors Month”
  • Sheehy Introduces Legislation to Compensate Service Members Discharged Over COVID Vaccine Mandate

Recent Business Posts

  • Bridger Aerospace Welcomes Executive Order to Reshape Wildland Firefighting
  • Gianforte Appoints Marta Bertoglio as Department of Commerce Director
  • Daktronics to Announce Q4 and Fiscal 2025 Results on June 25
  • Performance Engineering Earns National Honors

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.