FORT BELKNAP, Mont. (NMB) – A press release from Earthworks states that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality has proposed fining mining companies over $516,000 for alleged illegal mining activity in the area of the defunct Zortman-Landusky Mine.
The fine would have to be paid by Luke Ployhar, Owen Voigt, and their mining companies: Blue Arc, LLC and Legacy Mining, LLC.
The DEQ has also ordered the mining companies to cease exploration and mining activities until the appropriate permit is issued, a reclamation bond is filed, and the penalty is paid.
In a draft administrative order of consent, the DEQ stated that the violations are of major gravity and compromise reclamation work and leads to acid rock drainage risks.
The DEQ alleges that eight different times, mining operations took place without the proper permit across eight different locations. All disturbances appear on or near historic mining features.
Luke Ployhar/Blue Arc had planned to develop “several campground site with a mix of cabin/RV/tent sites (VRBO); (2) build several home sites; (3) build a visitors center; (4) build a mining museum/mining tour center; (5) build an Imax theater complex; (6) establish underground tunnel tours; (7) establish opportunities for day trips & picnicking; and (8) build hunting cabins.”
The site of the Zortman-Landusky Mine has been under reclamation since 1999 due to environmental damage caused by activity at the site.
In 2020, Ployhar applied for a mining permit to explore the site. This activity has been nearly unanimously opposed by the local community.
A copy of the document can be viewed here.
This post has been updated
