CFAC damage assessment could reap rewards; But residents raise a host of concerns, including forever chemicals

Forever chemicals. Concerns about future residents and development, and plenty of “what ifs?”

Urges people to get involved with CFAC damage program

The May 28th Hungry Horse News included an informative story about the Natural Resource Damage Program and Assessment Plan in regard to the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant. As stated, the Natural Resource Damage Program is part of the Superfund law but is a separate program, actually a state program housed in the Montana Dept. of Justice. While the Superfund cleanup plan deals with remediation of the toxic waste, the NRDP focuses on restoration of the natural resources damaged by the operation of the Plant.

Park Side celebrates new Columbia Falls branch

The new branch of Park Side Credit Union in Columbia Falls had its ribbon cutting last week. The bright and spacious new building replaces the credit union’s old home on Highway 2 about a half mile to the east.

Legals for June, 11 2025

Community events: Free youth camps and a CFAC meeting coming up

Farming for the Future Academy at the Montana Veterans Home Garden will offer several free Science, Technology and Engineering camps for youths this summer.

CFAC pollution perspective

In response to the Hungry Horse News’ May 28 article on a draft Natural Resources Damage Assessment Plan for the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant, here is some more information about damages to government land caused by the aluminum plant outside Columbia Falls.

Legals for June, 4 2025

CFAC damage assessment available for public comment

A draft Natural Resources Damage Assessment Plan for the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant has been released.

Park plows beyond Logan Pass

With a snowpack that was just 80% of average and avalanches that slid in March instead of later in the season, Glacier National Park plow crews were beyond Logan Pass on Monday.

Yesterdays: Salk vaccine coming soon

The Salk vaccine, which prevented polio, would soon be available in the Flathead Valley. It would be given to most first and second graders. Polio caused childhood paralysis and other deformities. The use of the vaccine, designed by Dr. Jonas Salk, was welcome and Salk was considered a national hero.

River volunteers needed this summer

Flathead Rivers Alliance announces 2025 River Ambassador and Citizen Scientist volunteer program trainings ahead of float season to enhance river safety, stewardship and citizen science, on the three forks of the Flathead River.

Yesterdays: Timber industry calls for tariffs

They cut down what was believed to be the largest tree in the Flathead. The big ponderosa pine had died in the top and was near the Bad Rock School. It was 6 feet wide at the base. The tree was estimated to be 500 years old.

Dam nameplate not true output

Regarding the March 12, 2025 story in the Hungry Horse News about Mick Ruis’ plans for CFAC land and the possibility of huge cryptocurrency server farms, the public should know there is a difference between total nameplate generating capacity of a hydroelectric dam and expected average output.

Ruis going full steam ahead on CFAC property

Developer Mick Ruis said he’s already been hosting potential businesses interested in developing at least part of the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site.

Yesterdays: In '75 Glacier Park was dealing with budget cuts

Glacier National Park was looking at ways to reduce spending after they were told they’d see about $156,000 less in funds. They were reviewing cost-cutting measures that would have less impact on the visitor in the upcoming season.

Housing study paints picture between haves and have nots; Separately, Ruis closes on CFAC property, which could change the housing landscape

A draft housing study commissioned by the City of Columbia Falls found that the price of houses here has far outpaced an increase in wages for most residents and without some sort of subsidy, home ownership is simply out of reach for many in the working class.

Update: EPA will have office hours on CFAC remotely

The Environmental Protection Agency will host office hours in Columbia Falls from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Coalition says EPA has failed us

While the EPA’s Record of Decision (ROD) recently issued for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company Superfund site is dismaying, EPA leadership’s failure to do so without actionably taking into account public and community concerns and numerous technical issues raised but repeatedly dismissed, is quite appalling.

With CFAC decision, Ruis poised to buy property

The Environmental Protection Agency Friday released its record of decision for cleaning up the defunct Columbia Falls Aluminum Co plant, which paves the way for Columbia Falls developer Mick Ruis to buy most of the property, save for the landfills themselves.

Top stories of 2024

The year 2024 will go down in history as the year of incessant political campaigns as millions of dollars poured into the state in the race for the U.S. Senate that pitted Republican challenger Tim Sheehy against incumbent Jon Tester.