Montana

Montana Rewewables looking to use injection wells in Pondera County for washwater – The Electric

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Montana Rewewables looking to use injection wells in Pondera County for washwater – The Electric

Montalban Oil and Gas Operations has submitted an underground injection control permit application for the conversion of two existing wells.

The permit application is reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is accepting public comment on the application through Jan. 24.

The application is to convert two existing Class II underground injection control wells in Pondera County to Class 5 disposal wells.

The wells will be used for injection of industrial wastewater received from the Montana Renewables fuels refinery in Great Falls into the Madison Formation, according to the EPA.

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The EPA is proposing to approve Montalban’s request to convert the existing wells that Montana Renewables would use to inject wastewater generated from renewable feedstocks, which may include but aren’t limited to vegetable oils, animal fats, distiller’s corn oi and used cooking oil, according to the EPA.

If approved, injection will occur into the Mississippian Madison Aquifer formation at depths between 3,428 and 3,538 feet below the ground surface. An aquifer exemption is also proposed in connection to this injection well to expand a previously approved aquifer exemption for the entirety of the Madison formation, according to the EPA.

The wastewater comes from washing crop and beef tallow products, according to Montana Renewables, before they can use them to produce biofuels at the Great Falls facility.

According to Montana Renewables, the washwater is “non-hazardous, non-corrosive and does not contain radioactive materials,” and would then be delivered to Montalban injection wells in Pondera County.

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Montana Renewables said the feedstocks have to be cleaned of organic impurities before use. Those impurities include phosphorus and nitrogen, common salts such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium, and other non-toxic materials.

The company built a pretreatment unit that uses a water-based process mixing feedstock with water and a weak acid, typically citric acid, to remove the impurities, then is pH-neutralized for discharge, according to Montana Renewables.

The company uses city water for the washing and it doesn’t come in contact with any toxic or hazardous materials in the process, according to the company.

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Montana Renewables said water samples have been independently tested to confirm it meets the federal permit requirements and isn’t hazardous.

Currently, Montana Renewables is transporting the washwater to EPA-permitted wells out of state and the company said that using wells in Montana will reduce rail transport and carbon dioxide emissions and keeps economic benefits in the state.

Montalban has advised that based on prior use at their wells, they can handle a capacity of at least 1,750 barrels daily or 73,500 gallons daily, according to Montana Renewables. Each water truck carries 150 barrels or 6,300 gallons and Montana Renewables said they expect a dozen daily trucks.

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Montana Renewables is working with the City of Great Falls and a consultant to complete a treatability study to determine if the washwater can be sent to the city’s water treatment plant. Once the study is complete, the company intends to submit a discharge permit to the city, according to Montana Renewables.

Montana Renewables plans to use the wells until a city discharge permit is approved or another option for onsite processing has been implemented.

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Documents from Montana Renewables and the EPA state that the injection wells won’t impact groundwater.

The public can submit comments to VelRey Lozano by email at lozano.velrey@epa.gov or by phone at 800-227-8917, extension 312-6128 or 303-312-6128.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for April 14, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 14, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 14 drawing

17-21-24-57-69, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 14 drawing

02-04-30-31, Bonus: 16

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

This Weekend is Huge for Music Lovers in Montana

Published

23 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

This Weekend is Huge for Music Lovers in Montana

There’s something special about a record or CD that feels nostalgic, and if you need another reason to support locally owned record stores in Montana, this is it.

This Saturday, April 18, is Record Store Day 2026, and independent record stores in Montana and across the country are gearing up for one of the biggest days of the year. It’s a one-day event where customers can find exclusive in-store only releases.

For record collectors, it’s a chance to find special releases that are in limited supply. I’m planning to get in line in hopes of scoring a copy of the Billy Strings NPR Tiny Desk concert on vinyl.

That’s just one of over 300 limited-edition releases that will be available on Record Store Day. You can find a complete list of 2026 releases on the Record Store Day website.

Records

Photo by Peixuan Yu

Record stores in Montana aren’t just a place to buy music. They’re a part of the fabric of the communities they serve. Cactus Records in Bozeman is considered a local landmark and the go-to spot for music lovers in town.

Sure, it’s much easier to stream music digitally, but it isn’t the same as holding a physical copy in your hands.

Record Store Day is about showing up and supporting local. Keeping these independent shops alive and thriving in a world that’s increasingly digital. Every purchase you make this Saturday goes directly back into those stores, and helps make sure they’re still here the next time you’re looking for something new.

If you plan on heading to a local record store on Saturday, don’t be surprised if you see people getting in line early. It’s a big day for vinyl lovers and music fans in Montana. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

The Ultimate Guide to 7 of Montana’s Best Record Stores

If you’re a music lover, you need to visit these awesome record stores in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

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Find your perfect Montana city in 2026 with our guide to the state’s most livable and desirable places.

Gallery Credit: jessejames

The Most Iconic Small Town Bars and Saloons in Montana

From historic saloons to local dive bars, these are some of the best watering holes across Big Sky Country.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for April 13, 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 13 drawing

38-43-59-63-64, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 13 drawing

01-18-19-35-50, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 13 drawing

14-20-25-29, Bonus: 04

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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