Montana
OPINION: We aren’t mad enough about PFAS in Montana’s rivers
For many Montanans, rivers and lakes are more than scenic landscapes. They are a source of food, recreation and identity. Anglers travel across the country to cast a line, and communities rely on these waterways as part of everyday life.
But growing evidence shows that PFAS, a class of so-called “forever chemicals,” are contaminating Montana’s waters and fish.
Recent state studies confirmed PFAS contamination in fish across major Montana waterways, including the Missouri River, Clark Fork River, East Gallatin River and Fort Peck Reservoir. Testing detected these chemicals in popular species such as trout, walleye and northern pike. Larger fish showed especially high concentrations because toxins build up as they move up the food chain.
In some cases, concentrations reportedly reached levels experts say are thousands of times higher than what is considered safe for human consumption. These findings show that PFAS contamination is not isolated. It is present in some of Montana’s most heavily used fisheries.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in products such as firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics and food packaging. They are called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly and can remain in water, soil, wildlife and the human body for decades.
Research has linked PFAS exposure to serious health concerns, including certain cancers, immune system suppression, developmental issues in children, and hormonal and reproductive problems. Because these chemicals accumulate over time, repeated exposure through fish consumption may create long-term health risks.
In response, Montana agencies issued updated fish consumption advisories in 2026 warning residents to limit or avoid eating fish from certain waters. Recommendations include limiting the number of fish meals consumed each month and imposing stricter guidelines for women and children. These advisories, however, are only recommendations.
One of the most troubling aspects of Montana’s PFAS issue is how long it took for the public to learn about it. A key state report identifying high PFAS levels in fish was completed in 2023 but was not publicly released until 2026. Reports suggest state officials were aware of the contamination long before the information became widely available.
Although the state has issued advisories, the public still is not receiving adequate warning, information, or a plan to address this. Researchers also acknowledge that only a small portion of Montana waterways have been tested, meaning contamination could be more widespread than currently known.
The contamination is documented, the health concerns are real, and the exposure is significant. Montana’s ecosystem depends on what we do next.
Morgan E. Tuss of Billings is an attorney with Silverman Law Office.
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GREAT FALLS — For Staff Sgt. Brianna St. Lawrence-Brody, service does not only happen in uniform.
Outside the gates of the base, she works at Benefis as a nurse, Great Falls Public Schools as a school nurse, and comes home as a wife and mom of four. For the Montana Air National Guard, she serves as a command post controller with the 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls.
(WATCH: Montana nurse and Guard member earns national Air Force recognition)
Montana nurse and Guard member earns national Air Force recognition
This year, St. Lawrence-Brody was named the U.S. Air National Guard’s Outstanding Airman of the Year in the Non-Commissioned Officer category.
She said the recognition came as a surprise, especially because her path into the Guard started later than others.
“I joined very late in life,” St. Lawrence-Brody said. “I joined the Guard right before I turned 40. So for me, every opportunity that’s presented, I want to take the bull by the horns and just run with it and do the best of my ability.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the Guard after finishing nursing school. She said she went straight from nursing school into helping open a COVID unit, while also working at Benefis.
She said that experience was the start of one journey, but not the whole of what she wanted to accomplish.
St. Lawrence-Brody joined the Guard for the opportunities, the challenge and to help build a future for her four children.
“It’s a little bit of a competition for myself,” she said. “Like, if I can do it, why not try my best to achieve it?”
120th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
As a command post controller, she assists in helping move information during emergencies and major events.
“Outside, obviously, I’m a nurse. Inside the Guard, I have nothing to do with the medical field, which is kind of amazing,” St. Lawrence-Brody said. “It keeps me on my toes.”
She explained balancing the Guard, two civilian jobs and four children takes support from her family, her employers and her unit. She said Benefis and GFPS have been supportive of her military service.
Her nomination included her deployment experience, training work overseas and involvement across the wing. St. Lawrence-Brody said she deployed to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where she worked with an operations center supporting entities connected to Africa.
But, she says this recognition is not the finish line.
“This award, it’s not necessarily a landing pad for me,” St. Lawrence-Brody said. “I want to use it as a springboard.”
120th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
St. Lawrence-Brody hopes her story encourages others to keep taking on new opportunities, even when they feel uncertain.
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and be okay with doing things afraid,” she said. “I think when you get to be okay with doing things afraid, that’s where you’re going to find the growth.”
She has already won at the Air National Guard level, but she recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the broader Air Force Outstanding Airman of the Year process, which includes nominees from the Guard, Reserve and major commands across the Air Force.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing
03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing
03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from June 27 drawing
05-16-19-27, Bonus: 08
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing
02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Montana Cash numbers from June 27 drawing
05-09-10-15-35
Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing
26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life 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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