Changing waters

The state of Montana has been “renting” our waters of the Clark Fork river from Thompson Falls to the Idaho border to Avista energy. With the two dams that they built, the Noxon rapids and Cabinet Gorge, placed 18 miles from each other. I’m not sure if somehow Montana has lessened it’s water protections or if the Avista cooperation has changed somethings with the way the operate but our river is rapidly turning into a sludge pond. There are dead fish all over the shore. The fear of being contaminated with toxic chemicals is very prevalent. Stagnation of the water is not a green source of energy. Energy which is outsourced to other states and not benefiting Montanans whatsoever. In the last 5 years I have personally witnessed a beautiful river transform into a cesspool killing off aquatic life and allowing new invasive species to thrive in its stagnation. What will the next year bring. The fishing in what was once a top notch destination is now toxic and we the people have a do not consume advisory of all fish due to high levels of mercury. A flowing river can heal itself. Not to mention it completely disregards our right to portage our right to clean water and our right to a healthy environment. Should we just stand by and wait till it’s all gone before something happens?

Alex Bouey, Thompson Falls