406 Forum: Wastewater disposal options in Big Sky

One option the Big Sky Water and Sewer District is exploring to address the community’s wastewater disposal issue is obtaining a DEQ permit and building a pipeline to the Gallatin River. This would allow them to discharge treated wastewater into the Gallatin, as is done downstream in Bozeman.

Is this a wastewater disposal option you would support?

Patrick McCauley, Big Sky, Mont.
Bartender, Milkie’s Pizza & Pub

“As long as it doesn’t hurt the fish … It’s gray water, it’s not poisonous, it’s not toxic, but it’s not drinkable … I would support it as long as it doesn’t hurt the ecosystem. What other option do we have?”

Kris Hinman, Big Sky, Mont
Housekeeper, Yellowstone Club

“I would if it solved a problem, but I personally like to keep things how they were rather than manipulating them for human use … I think [expanding wastewater capacity would create] more business opportunities, but I don’t know enough about it.”

Greg Lewis, Big Sky, Mont.
Floor Associate, Roxy’s Market

“It’s a terrible idea … you’ve got a 55-mile, immaculate stretch [of river] from here to Bozeman. I wouldn’t want to see that affected … I don’t understand why they [have] a golf course that’s sprayed with a million of gallons of effluent but they can’t ski on snow that’s been made with effluent.”