Environmental Organizations And The Board Of County Commissioners File Suit

Missoula County, the National Wildlife Federation, the Montana Information Center and the Montana chapter of the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit today  to seek a full environmental review of the mega-load project. Their   goal is to protect Montana’s citizens, economy and ecosystems from the potentially harmful impacts of Exxon Mobil’s mega-load transport project. The plaintiffs seek a full environmental impact statement. An EIS would evaluate a full range of alternatives, including alternative routes. Volunteer from the Montana chapter of the Sierra Club, John Wolverton says the impact is much greater than just the loads being shipped across the state.

Wolverton says the proposed rout across Lolo Pass, along the Blackfoot River and up the rocky mountain front will create long-term costs to Montana taxpayers with wear and tear on highways, bridges and sewer lines.