By Jim Kalkofen, Stevensville
So everybody knows, here is the language exactly as written in the Subdivision Review Joint Application Form written by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
Part II – Required Information for Approval of Subdivisions Under Sanitation in Subdivision Laws. Section B – Water Supply. Paragraph 3 – “Where a public water system is proposed or existing.” 3.a – “If an existing system will be used.” 2 – “Provide evidence that the system is approved by DEQ and is in compliance with the regulations.”
Directly from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, dated Aug. 12, 2020, “This place of use, or service area, does not include the area proposed for the Burnt Fork Estates subdivision you are inquiring about.”
Folks, the area proposed (corner of Logan Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road) is NOT IN COMPLIANCE. The mayor wants you to believe this is no big deal and will be resolved by snapping his fingers. Well, the Town of Stevensville tried to do this and failed to comply with DNRC requirements and in November 2015, DNRC terminated the Town’s application. There have been minimal, if any, progress reports or updates to the Council or the public in the past five years. Is it possible this is more of an issue than the mayor may want us to believe?
My two-cents worth is that this entire subdivision proposal should be put on hold until we know more about the water rights situation.