A.M. Welles DSL Pit
A.M. Welles, Inc. has applied for, and successfully obtained an amendment to DEQ opencut mining permit OC# 674. A.M. Welles also applied for and obtained a two-year renewal of Montana DNRC gravel permit G-1273-94. In both the DEQ opencut amendment, and the renewed DNRC permit, approximately 23.2 acres was added to the previously permitted area.
Prior to disturbing the project area, MEPA was conducted in accordance with Montana State law.
The DSL gravel pit is located 2.3 miles north of Ennis and has been permitted with DNRC, previously the Department of State Lands for over 40 years. A.M Welles recently received authorization from the Montana DNRC and DEQ to expand the permitted area. Below, are links to the DNRC environmental assessment, DEQ environmental assessment, DNRC aggregate take and remove permit, and DEQ opencut permit related to the expansion.
Asphalt Plant Request
Per provision 35, stipulation i. of the Montana DNRC aggregate take and remove permit, AM Welles must request authorization to locate and operate an asphalt plant within the pit boundaries, on a written case-by-case basis that will either be authorized or denied by the Department. The Department has received such a request from AM Welles for the time period April 1, 2024 - June 8, 2024. The asphalt plant would be expected to operate approximately ten total days during this time to service the needs of a local paving project in the area. The plant would be operated by Riverside Contracting, Inc.
In accordance with Montana law and the Montana Environmental Policy Act, the Department has conducted an environmental review of the proposed action. The review analyzed the impacts to the physical and human environment of two alternatives. The action alternative would authorize the request to locate and operate an asphalt plant within the boundaries of the permit area for the requested time period. The no-action alternative would deny the request to locate and operate an asphalt plant within the boundaries of the permit area for the requested time period. On April 5th, 2024, the Department sent a record of decision to the individuals that provided comment through the public process. The Department selected the action alternative, and the asphalt plant will be authorized to operate within the DSL pit from April 5, 2024 until June 8, 2024.
Below is a link to the final assessment. Public comment is included in the document as appendices. All other documents including notices are on file, and may be requested.