Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for approving an expansion of the Bull Mountain Mine. The expansion would result in more land being open for coal mining, which the groups argue will continue to harm water supplies for ranchers, damage cultural artifacts sacred to Native American tribes, and significantly contribute to climate change.
The suit, filed by Earthjustice on behalf of the Bull Mountains Land Alliance, Northern Plains Resource Council, and the Montana Environmental Information Center, challenges the DEQ’s approval of the mine expansion, which would add 12.7 million tons of coal to the existing permit. The groups allege that the mine’s owner, Signal Peak Energy, has neglected worker safety, pollution, and environmental impacts, including groundwater depletion that affects ranchers’ livestock. They also claim that the DEQ conducted a less intensive environmental analysis to avoid scrutiny.
The lawsuit predicts that burning the additional coal would release approximately 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The Bull Mountain Mine has been embroiled in scandals and investigations, involving safety violations and allegations of forcing ranchers off the land.
According to the lawsuit, the mine’s operations result in land subsidence, impacting the surface above it and draining water sources. Experts have warned about the mine’s depletion of groundwater, affecting agriculture water needs in the region.
The lawsuit also addresses tribal concerns, pointing out that the DEQ failed to consult with Native American tribes regarding the site’s cultural significance. Additionally, the suit alleges that the DEQ allowed the mine to reduce its water replacement obligations, further threatening the livelihood of ranchers in the area.
The lawsuit highlights the mine’s history of workplace safety violations, including accidents and citations. The environmental groups are seeking court intervention to require a full environmental impact statement and invalidate the previous assessment.
