DEQ extends comment period on West Glacier RV project

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has extended the comment period for a sewer and water system proposed by a new RV Park and Cabins complex in West Glacier.

Glacier Park Inc. is building the new facility off River Bend Drive. It has already received county approval, but the state has to sign off on two wells and a sewage system for the park.

The DEQ’s environmental analysis found there was plenty of water to accommodate the wells. Its report also finds no significant impacts from the sewage system, which will use aerated lagoons to treat the sewage. The lagoons will be fenced in to keep bears and other wildlife away.

But some people have concerns about the lagoons themselves, noting that fenced or not, they still could attract bears and other wildlife.

The park was largely opposed by neighbors when it was first proposed — most objection were related to additional traffic on River Bend Drive from the park.

The project is expected to build out in two phases. Phase I proposes 25 cabins and 42 RV spaces. Phase II proposes an additional 60 RV spaces.

The comment period is now extended until March 20.

The environmental assessment can be viewed at: http://deq.mt.gov/Public/ea Copies of the Draft EA can be viewed at DEQ’s Kalispell Regional Office, 655 Timberwolf, Suite #3 or at the main DEQ office at 1520 East Sixth Ave., Helena. Comments must be submitted to the DEQ Subdivision Section, PO Box 200901, Helena, MT or emailed to: WestGlacierEAcomment@mt.gov

For more information about the application or the license process please contact the DEQ Subdivision program at 406-444-4224.