Friday's Blackfoot Dam Settlement Brightens River's Future

After final court approval, the U.S. Forest Service will begin a multi-year project that includes removal of an aging dam and cleanup of tons of heavy metals from Montana’s Blackfoot River drainage. Friday’s court decision delivers at least $28 million from Atlantic Richfield and the bankrupt ASARCO, which were deemed responsible for the cleanup. “With Friday’s announcement, the dam removal could start after 2010 and be complete within two years. Tailings behind the dam will be moved to a repository on higher ground on ASARCO property. The project also will include the removal of tailings along the upper Blackfoot, Beartrap Creek and Mike Horse Creek.” John Cramer in The Missoulian.