Commissioners Question Cleanup Progress at Former Frenchtown Mill

Representatives from companies responsible for the cleanup of the former Frenchtown pulp mill addressed Missoula County Commissioners on March 15, 2023. The meeting focused on the progress being made at the shuttered industrial site, which has been a topic of concern for local residents and officials alike.

The Frenchtown pulp mill, once operated by the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, has been closed for several years. Environmental issues stemming from the mill’s operations have necessitated extensive cleanup efforts, drawing the attention of both state and federal environmental agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality are key players in overseeing the remediation process, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

During the meeting, county commissioners posed questions regarding the timeline for the cleanup and the measures being taken to mitigate environmental risks. Representatives from the responsible companies provided updates on their strategies and progress, highlighting ongoing efforts to address contaminated soil and groundwater at the site.

County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier expressed the community’s concerns, stating, “We need clear answers on what steps are being taken to restore this land and protect our residents.” The commissioners emphasized the importance of transparency and regular updates as the cleanup progresses.

The area surrounding the mill has faced significant environmental challenges due to past industrial activities. Local environmental groups have raised alarms about potential health risks associated with the contamination. As a result, the cleanup process is under close scrutiny by both the public and regulatory bodies.

As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for the cleanup efforts. The outcome of these discussions may influence future policies regarding industrial site management in Montana and beyond.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the representatives to provide more detailed updates in the coming months. Both the commissioners and the community are eager to see tangible progress on restoring the Frenchtown site, which has the potential to benefit the local economy and environment once fully remediated.

With the eyes of the community and regulatory bodies watching closely, the path forward for the Frenchtown pulp mill cleanup remains a critical issue for Missoula County.