Blacktail Creek Investigation
Understanding a tributary within a mining-impacted watershed
Blacktail Creek is a tributary that flows through areas influenced by historic mining activity on the west side of Butte.
Although smaller than Silver Bow Creek, Blacktail Creek plays an important role in understanding how contamination may move through soils, groundwater, and surface water in the broader watershed.
Where Blacktail Creek fits in
Blacktail Creek drains portions of the West Side Soils area, flows through mining-impacted landscapes, and connects to downstream waters.
Because water and sediment move through connected systems, conditions in Blacktail Creek can influence — and be influenced by — conditions elsewhere.
Studying Blacktail Creek helps ensure that cleanup decisions consider the entire system, not just the most visible areas.
Why Blacktail Creek is being investigated
As part of the West Side Soils remedial investigation, Blacktail Creek is being studied to determine whether mining-related contaminants are present, how they may be moving, and whether they pose a risk to people or ecosystems.
Investigation does not mean that a problem has been confirmed.
It means that information is being gathered to make informed decisions.
What the investigation involves
The Blacktail Creek investigation may include:
- sampling of soils near the creek
- testing surface water
- monitoring groundwater
- evaluating sediment
- assessing ecological conditions
Samples are collected and analyzed using standardized methods to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Human health and ecological considerations
Investigations look at whether people could be exposed through recreation or contact, whether plants and animals may be affected, and how conditions may change during high water events.
Both human health and ecological risk assessments help guide decisions.
What happens with the results?
Once investigation data are analyzed:
- risks are evaluated
- cleanup options are considered if needed
- findings are shared with the public
- next steps are determined
Some areas may require cleanup. Others may require monitoring or no action.
Investigation ensures that decisions are based on evidence, not assumptions.
Public access during investigation
Investigation activities are designed to minimize disruption, avoid unnecessary closures, and ensure safety.
In most cases, normal recreational use can continue during investigation, unless specific risks are identified.
If access restrictions are needed, they are communicated clearly.
Why small streams matter
Small streams like Blacktail Creek are important because they connect uplands to larger rivers, respond quickly to changes, and influence downstream water quality.
Protecting the health of the watershed means paying attention to both large and small waterways.
How this fits into the bigger picture
The Blacktail Creek investigation supports informed cleanup decisions for West Side Soils, protection of Silver Bow Creek, and long-term watershed recovery.
It is one piece of a much larger, coordinated effort.