Please fill out the application and either drop off at the office or email to…
Round 2–Ground Water Sampling Program Sign-Up Date Extended to September 1, 2014
For Immediate Release: August 1, 2014
ROUND 2: Ground Water Sampling Program Sign-Up Date Extended to September 1, 2014.
Circle, Montana, August 1, 2014 – Rural water users have voiced concerns about the potential effects on their water supply from oil development. People are worried about chemical storage, waste management accidents at well heads or injection pits, and accidents/spills during chemical and product transportation. Further uncertainties of production water disposal, frack water injections and large withdrawals of ground water have also been revealed.
The purpose of this new monitoring program is to establish baseline groundwater quality and availability in advance of oil and gas activity in our area. McCone Conservation District will prioritize and select domestic and stock-water wells to evaluate based on the proximity to a potential source of contamination such as active or abandoned oil/gas wells, injection wells, waste or chemical management areas. Selected wells must be registered with the Ground Water Information Center (GWIC).
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and Montana Salinity Control Association (MSCA) are assisting the Conservation District with this program. Each well selected will be evaluated on-site for field parameters and water availability. Well samples will be analyzed for drinking water quality and for indicators of contamination specific to energy development activities.
Well sampling and lab fees total approximately $1,200 per well, but a DNRC grant covers most of the expense so McCone County residents can participate in this program for $120.00 (10% of total cost).
If you are interested in having your well sampled, please contact Mary Hendrix at McCone Conservation District at 406-485-2744 x100 or email Mcconecountycd@yahoo.com to begin the sign-up process. Sign-up ends September 1, 2014.
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