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FAQs

Will nitrates be used and if so, how will they be handled?

Yes, the mining process may use explosives that contain nitrates during underground mining. The reverse osmosis water treatment process will remove most nitrogen from the water. The company will construct a treated water storage pond in which to contain treated water during the summer when algal growth in the streams is most easily promoted by nitrogen in the water. Any treated water stored in the pond can then be released outside the summer months. In this way, the mining operation can ensure it is able to meet the non-degradation discharge standards for nitrogen as regulated by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.