The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has extended the public comment period on the draft of the water quality restoration plan addressing salinity in Big Sandy Creek in Chouteau and Hill counties.
The department also has extended the comment period for a plan addressing salinity in Sage Creek in Libery and Hill counties.
Public comment will be accepted until Jan. 16. The documents present total maximum daily loads for salinity in Big Sandy and Sage creeks.
The department said several people requested an extension of the comment periods.
The draft plan for Sandy Creek is available for review at the Big Sandy and the Hill County Conservation District offices and on the department's Web site: www.deq.state.mt.us/pubcom.asp. The plan for Sage Creek is available at the Liberty and Hill County Conservation District offices and at the Web site.
Public comments on the draft documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Jan. 16. For more information, contact DEQ staffers Ron Steg, at 406-444-7423, Jim Bauermeister, at 406-444-6771, or Carole Mackin, 406-444-7425.
