06/26/02 Stanford/Clarify ResearchJIIN-26-2002 WED 02:04 PM FLTHD LAKE BIO STATION FAX NO. 406 982 3201 P. 02
Flathead
:;Station
Thu Uni-9tsot y Of J610111aaa
June 26, 2002
The Honorable Pamela B. Kennedy
Mayor of Kalispell
City Council
City of Kalispell
P. O. Box 1997
Kalispell, Montana 59903
Dear Council:
311 Bio Station Lane
Poison, Montana, U.S.A. 59860-9659
Phone (406) 982-3301
Fax (406) 982-3201
http://www.umt.ed,u/biology/flbs
Via facsimile (406) 758-7758
1 could not attend the public hearing on the proposed Glacier Mall Master plan Amendment on Monday, June 24.
Apparently, in my absence, the long record of water quality research by Flathead Fake Biological Station (FLBS) and my
newspaper statements concerning this research were rather loosely interpreted. Please allow me herein to clarify matters.
Our research clearly shows that the shallow alluvial aquifer of the Flathead River circulates water back to the river
in the Evergreen area and, hence, to Flathead bake. Natural processes cleanse the water as it is carried through the aquifer.
But, the ability of the river -aquifer system to do this is limited and can be destroyed by gravel mining or pollution. We
have twice demonstrated that the cleansing function has been compromised in the Evergreen area by point (septic systems)
and noupoint (diffuse runoff, especially from roads and paved parking lots) pollution. This was partially mitigated at
considerable cost to Evergreen residents by connection to the Kalispell Sewage Treatment plant (STP). however, the
portion of the aquifer within the urban area of Evergreen has not yet recovered, due to continuing increases in nonpoint
inputs associated with new development and latent effects of the many household septic systems that were present prior to
STP connection.
This aquifer has to be protected if the high water quality in Flathead Lake is to be maintained. Water quality
problems associated with urban development, like the proposed mall and the collateral urbanization that will come with it,
in this sensitive area cannot be held anywhere near zero by any treatment systems that might (or might not) be installed.
We have clearly demonstrated water quality in Flathead Lake has deteriorated by one third since 1977 due to
incremental increases in pollution within the Kalispell Valley and the airshed of the lake. The mall and its collateral
development represent another and potentially huge increment.
Flathead Lake is our most treasured asset. The mall and its collateral development should not be juxtaposed with
the river -aquifer system, especially since it can be built in more benign (from a water quality perspective) areas of the
valley.
I again offer to present our research in more detail upon your request.
Sincerely,
Jack A. Stanford
Jessie M. Bierman Professor and )Director
cc: Ms. Diane Conradi, Executive Director, Citizens For A Better Flathead
Mr. Sid Rundell, President, Flathead Lakers
Mr. Greg Butts, Water Quality Specialist, Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Mr. Frank Miele, Managing Editor, Daily Inter Lake
Ms. Enka. Binger, Outreach Coordinator, FLBS
JUN-26-2002 WED 02:04 PM FLTHD LAKE BIO STATION FAX NO, 406 982 3201 P, 01
Flathead
Station
The Un1.et%.iy of Muni* na
Fax
311 Bio Station Lane
Polson, Montana, U.S.A. 59860-9659
Phone(406) 982-3301
Fax (406) 982-3201
http://www.umt.edufbiology/fibs
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This facsimile transmission (and/or documents accompanying it) may contain confidential information belonging to the sender. This
information is intended only for the use of the individual or entry name below. if you are not the intended reclpiervt, you are hereby
notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited
If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone (40082-3301) to arrange the return of the
document.
To:
The Honorable Mayor
Pamela B. Kennedy and
City Council Members
From:
Jack A. Stanford, Bierman Professor
and Director
Organization
City Comoil of Kalispell
Company:
Flathead Lake Biological Statio
Phone:
(406) 758-7756
Phone:
406-982-3301
Fax:
(406)758-7758
Fax:
406-982-3201
Daze:
6/26/2002 2:08.57 PM
Subject:
Letter from Dr. lack A. Stanford.
dated 6/26/02
Number of Pages (including cover) 0
COMMENTS:
J