Montana DEQ discusses contamination risks at extensive 3200-acre industrial site

Concerns over toxic risks and groundwater contamination dominated discussions at the Smurfit Stone Community Advisory Group meeting on May 1, 2025, in Missoula, Montana. The meeting highlighted the extensive history of the site, which spans from 1955 to 2010, covering approximately 3,200 acres of industrial land and 900 acres of wastewater areas.

A key point raised was the difference in cancer risk standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ accepts a threshold of one additional cancer death per 100,000 people, significantly stricter than the EPA's one in 10,000 standard. This discrepancy underscores the community's push for more stringent safety measures regarding potential contamination.

Participants discussed the ongoing efforts to assess contamination levels through random sampling across the site, with some samples covering areas as large as 100 acres. However, concerns were voiced about the limited scope of these samples in relation to the vastness of the site, making it challenging to accurately gauge contamination levels.

The conversation also touched on the importance of considering groundwater movement in the area, particularly how it could impact the nearby river. Community members expressed frustration that this critical pathway had not been adequately addressed in previous assessments.

As the meeting concluded, the emphasis remained on the need for comprehensive evaluations and community involvement in ensuring the safety and health of the area surrounding the Smurfit Stone site. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at addressing these pressing environmental concerns.