Oil barrels found dumped on Crane Mountain

Forest officials are seeking information about an oil dumping incident in the Swan Lake Ranger District on Crane Mountain.

According to the Flathead Forest, officials learned of the incident after detailed reports from concerned citizens. Upon investigation they discovered multiple 50 gallon and 250 gallon containers holding substances that appeared to be oil and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Many of the barrels were leaking and substances were running down the hillside coating huckleberry bushes and other vegetation.

Forest officials are coordinating with local hazardous materials experts to determine appropriate cleanup activities.

“We have many resources in the county to properly dispose of hazardous materials,” said Swan Lake District Ranger Chris Dowling. “Dumping them in a national forest not only costs taxpayers considerably more to clean up, but also has the potential to damage our ecosystem and recreation opportunities.”

People with information about the incident should call the Flathead National Forest Law Enforcement Office at 406-758-5297. Information can be reported anonymously.