UPDATE: Missoula County Commissioners urgently questioned representatives from companies responsible for the cleanup at the Frenchtown Pulp Mill on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. This critical meeting focused on the immediate progress and future plans for the shuttered industrial site, which poses environmental concerns for the community.
The discussions come at a pivotal moment, as local residents and environmental advocates demand transparency and swift action regarding the site’s contamination issues. The Smurfit-Stone mill has long been a source of environmental anxiety due to its history and the potential risks it poses to public health.
Commissioners expressed their frustration over the slow pace of cleanup efforts, emphasizing that the community deserves timely updates on the progress being made. “We need concrete answers on when this site will be fully addressed,” stated one commissioner, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The representatives from the involved companies outlined their current strategies and timelines, but many attendees felt the responses were insufficient. Local residents are eager for a resolution, as the contaminated site has been dormant for years, with lingering concerns affecting nearby neighborhoods.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the clock is ticking for both the companies involved and the county officials. The community is watching closely, anticipating decisive action to mitigate the environmental impact.
Moving forward, the Missoula County Commissioners are expected to hold additional meetings to monitor progress and ensure accountability. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged and voice their concerns as this situation develops.
The urgency of the cleanup cannot be overstated, as the health and safety of residents hang in the balance. Local advocacy groups are rallying support for enhanced oversight, making it vital for all parties to act swiftly.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds and the fate of the Frenchtown Pulp Mill cleanup remains a pressing issue for Missoula.
