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UPDATE: DEQ to hold public meetings on Smith River Algae Study online

Posted at 2:35 PM, Mar 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 13:06:25-04

UPDATE 11:00 A.M. 03/18: The Montana Department of Environmental Quality plans to hold a public meeting on the Smith River algae study online.

The meeting will start at 3:00 p.m.

It can be accessed via the DEQ's webpage and the video presentation will be available via Youtube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpuxN606ueNWkZBg7udweA/feed


The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold meetings later this month to update the public on nuisance algae on the Smith River.

The Smith is one of the most popular recreation rivers in Montana, so much so that its use is restricted only to permit holders.

Algae was first reported on the river in 2015, and observed by DEQ over the next two years.

The agency launched an intensive study of the algae in 2018, and found it to be a species native to Montana.

Scientists are looking closely at factors that contribute to algae growth, ncluding air and water temperatures, PH levels and nutrients in the water.

DEQ will release new information on phosphorus studies and findings related to changes in water temperature.

The upcoming meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn about the study’s current findings and what’s planned for the ongoing study during the 2020 field season.

The first meeting is in Helena at the DEQ Metcalf building on March 18th, at 1520 E. 6th Ave., Room 111 , from 3:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.

A second meeting will be held in White Sulphur Springs on March 19th at the All Season Inn and Suites, at 808 3rd Ave SW, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

For more information on the meetings, or to make special needs accommodations, contact Moira Davin at (406) 444-6360 or by email at: Moira.Davin@mt.gov