holland lake

The public comment period was originally scheduled to close on May 7, but it was extended until 10 p.m. on May 14.

A Swan Valley group is questioning Forest Service claims after the agency announced finding no groundwater contamination at Holland Lake.

Samples were taken from the north shore of Holland Lake and from the three monitoring wells. The results indicated no groundwater contamination, a news release states.

The U.S. Forest Service could be fined as much as $10,000 a day for violations related to leaks and unreported, unapproved repairs at the wastewater treatment system at Holland Lake, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Arlene Montgomery writes, "Bull trout are in a precarious situation in the Swan Valley, non-native lake trout and mysis shrimp pose a threat in Holland Lake. Lack of clean water shouldn't be another hazard they have to navigate."

The letter DEQ wrote in association with the announcement spells out just how serious the sewage violations are.

Holland Lake Lodge dates back to 1925, when the Forest Service issued a permit for a summer resort to include “a main building 40 by 60 feet in size, and a number of cabins for individual use,” according to press reports at the time.

With the Flathead National Forest considering a special-use permit for a controversial project at Holland Lake, Missoula County is asking the federal agency to include a provision requiring the developer to comply with local building and land-use policies.

Lucy Dayton writes, "So much for being objective as a public land steward and listening to the American public, who recognize Holland Lake and public lands as a crucial corridor for wildlife."

Locals are pressuring the U.S. Forest Service to assign the responsibility of reviewing a Holland Lake Lodge permit to someone other than the Flathead National Forest supervisor.