Eastern Montana coal seam mitigation

06/25/2026

Our crews have been busy meeting with landowners, evaluating coal seams across the counties, and getting consent forms signed as we continue moving this project forward. If you haven't heard from us yet, don't be alarmed, we are taking this effort one day at a time and one location at a time. We will get to your area as we continue working through the project.
The RFQ period for engineering services closed on Monday. Over the next few weeks, we will be reviewing submissions and selecting engineering firms to help get the ball rolling on the next phase of the project.
The photo below was taken this week and shows one of the many active burning coal seams we have been evaluating. Many of these seams are extremely hot and pose a significant risk for starting wildfires. In this case, the heat from the seam had already ignited a small grass fire nearby, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing these hazards.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

The RFQ has been published online at custercountymt.gov and in the legal ads section of the local newspaper. It is also provided here for anyone who may be interested in engineering services for the coal seam mitigation project.

04/20/2026

Things are starting to move forward on the coal seam mitigation project. Over the past several months, we’ve been working through the MEPA process this stands for the Montana Environmental Policy Act, and it’s a required step tied to the funding we’ve received. MEPA ensures that environmental impacts are carefully reviewed and that the public has an opportunity to be informed and provide input before work moves ahead.

This coming week, our team will be out in the field building files and gathering data on several of the burning coal seams. While a lot of progress may not be visible day-to-day, there has been a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work taking place to get us to this point.

Our goal is to have the MEPA ready for public comment within the next 30-45 days. From there, we’ll be able to move forward with the RFQ process and continue advancing the project.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we work through these important steps.

03/26/2026

This page is here to keep folks in the loop as the coal seam mitigation program moves forward.

We’ll be sharing updates on ongoing work, upcoming projects, and what it all means for landowners and the community. The goal is simple provide clear, honest information and a place where people can stay informed about what’s happening on the ground.

If you have questions, interest in the program, or just want to follow along, you’re in the right place.