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River News & Brews: When the Berm Breaks
June 18 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | 6-7:30PM at Alberton Community Center | 701 Railroad Ave. | Alberton, MT
Co-hosted by The Clark Fork Coalition, American Rivers, and MontPIRG, with River Design Group
To better understand flood risks and impacts to downstream communities from the shuttered Smurfit-Stone pulp mill, the Clark Fork Coalition and American Rivers commissioned a hydraulic modeling study from local engineering firm River Design Group that explores what happens when the berm breaks. A four mile eroding gravel berm is the only thing separating the Clark Fork River from toxic waste stored in the floodplain at the mill. Results suggest that the berm will not safeguard against future flooding, underscoring the importance of additional sampling in the floodplain and adequate characterization of flood risk impacts to downstream communities.
River Design Group will be presenting on their findings, with Clark Fork Coalition Staff Scientist Sam Carlson facilitating and a Q&A to follow. Free beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.