An inside scoop with the Montana DEQ

I was able to have a few words with Montana DEQ project officer Scott L. Graham.

Here's what he had to say:

Q: Have any changes been made to the DEQ plan since the public meeting? If so, did the verbal questions and or mailed comments lead to any of these potential changes?

Scott: “No, no real changes or decisions have been made on anything yet.” “Not to say they will or will not, the DEQ is still sorting through the comments.” Scott added they received between 650-700 pages of comments in total.

Q: Did the voice of city council members carry weight amongst DEQ decision makers and in your eyes, fellow stakeholders?

Scott: “Yes, city council has had a couple meetings with various stakeholders such as the water quality district.”

-Scott highlighted the City Council’s main involvement which backs the request of the residential stakeholders.

“They submitted a resolution to clean the site to residential zoning standards.”

Q: From the perspective of the DEQ, which stakeholders have made a point to become involved? Who has had a strong voice?

Scott: “Certainly the residents. Since the public meeting the town has really come alive.”

Scott also mentioned Bob Oaks, “A bright guy who has been a leader and really has rallied the troops.”  

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