UPDATE: Missoula County Commissioners are urgently questioning the progress of cleanup efforts at the former Smurfit-Stone site, known as the Frenchtown Pulp Mill, during a critical meeting held on October 18, 2023. Representatives from the companies responsible for the cleanup faced tough inquiries regarding their timelines and strategies for remediation at the shuttered industrial site.
This session comes as community concerns grow over the environmental impact of the former mill, which ceased operations years ago. The commissioners emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from the companies involved in the cleanup process, highlighting the potential dangers to local residents and ecosystems.
Missoula County officials are keenly aware of the site’s history and its lingering effects on the community. As of now, residents are anxiously awaiting concrete updates on when the cleanup will commence and how it will be implemented. The meeting served not just as an inquiry, but as a rallying point for public engagement around the pressing issue of environmental health.
The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. As the area continues to deal with the ramifications of the mill’s closure, local leaders are pushing for swift action. “We cannot afford any delays,” stated one commissioner, reinforcing the sentiment shared by many in the community.
In the coming days, residents will be closely monitoring any official announcements or follow-ups from the companies involved in the cleanup. The pressure is mounting for these organizations to deliver not only on timelines but also on the quality of the remediation efforts.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. The health and safety of the Missoula community depend on the effectiveness of these cleanup efforts, and the stakes have never been higher.
