​
Preserving Clean Water For Future Generations
​
We strongly oppose the use of clean, potable water for hydraulic fracturing (fracking). While petroleum products have undoubtedly contributed to the advancement of modern society, we firmly believe that clean water resources should not be sacrificed in the process. We urge industry stakeholders to source water from alternative locations and transport it as needed, rather than relying on our valuable water supply. Our wells are vital to the health and well-being of our communities, and we must ensure their protection for future generations.
How We Got Here
In the summer of 2024, our community experienced a severe water crisis as many local wells went dry. This situation coincided with a time when a significant portion of our fresh water resources was being diverted for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. While we recognize the important role that the oil and gas industry plays in supporting local jobs and the economy, we also face the pressing challenge of protecting our limited water supply, especially our aquifers, which do not replenish without rainwater. As companies seek permits to continue using these vital resources for fracking, it is essential that we prioritize the sustainability of our freshwater sources. We propose exploring alternative water sources, such as river water or aquifers replenished by rivers, for industrial use. This will help ensure that our community continues to have access to safe, reliable water for drinking, agriculture, and other essential needs, now and in the future.
Impacted Wells
Richland County School Dist #2
Averett, Craig & Katharine F Trust Dtd 5/9/2000
Debra Schillinger; Schillinger Family Legacy Trust Dtd 9/16/2023
Jeff & Luanna Aisenbrey
Chad Albin
Barbara J Albrecht
Ashlea J & Ryan R Anderson
Debra & Greg Anderson
Duane A & Linda J Anderson
Bradley M, Michael T, & Marlys Anvik
Kenneth Arneson
Kenneth Michael Backes
Vickie Barbot
Ann R Barrett
Justin Barrett
Craig & Georgia Beiswanger
Brett R & Daniela J Bennion
Marlin J Beyer
Paul C Beyer
Brady Bouchard
Don D & Ronald R Bouchard
Jim Bousquet
Melissa, Rebecca, & William Buckley
Charley Buehner
Chad Burns
Marty Casey
Bnsf Railway Co
Montana State Board of Land Commissioners
Dclw Corp
Clifford & Debbie Dahl
Toby J Dahl
Justin M, Max B, Morgan M, & Ronald Demary
Michael G & Paul J Denowh
Larry D Drevecky
Cole & Teagan J Dunagan
Carl T & Lindsey L Dynneson
John K & Nancy K Dynneson
Sherman L Dynneson
Beverly R & Dale W Edam
Dale L & Ladean Edam
James M & Tammy L Edinger
Debra & Donald Engesser
Deedra & Shandon W Erickson
Lesueur Family
Albin Farms
Donald L Feliciano
Harold J & Helen Fink
Kelly & Ronald J Fink
Ronald J Fink
Dayton Foundation
John L Franklin
Arlon W & Donald A Franz
Jerry & Amanda Gallagher
Amanda & John Garcia
Bryan P Gartner
Lillian Delores Gilbert
Russ S Gomke
Julie Goss
Ila K Hardy
Carter & Lori Hasselstrom
Joyce Hernandez
Michael F & Richard T Hier
Audrey A Hill
Melvin R Hill
Darla Hill
David S Hill & Julie E Hill
Elaine L & Wilbur W Hill
3 Buttes Community Center INC
4 J Ranch INC
Franz Construction Inc
Gladowski Ranch Inc
Harold J Fink; Fink Farms Inc
Julian Dombrowski; Sunny Slope Ranch Inc
Kopp Farms Inc
L-C Anvik Inc
Mondalin Inc
Petersen, J K Inc
Prevost Ranch Inc
Stoney Butte Farms Inc
Sunny Slope Ranch Inc
Thiessen Inc
Tveit Farms Inc
Dynneson Ranch Inc
Fink Farms Inc
Four J Ranch Inc
Douglas J Johnson
Jefferey D & Mary S Johnson
Marthea A Johnson
Mary Jeane Johnson
Philip & Robyn Johnson
Russell H & Sandra S Johnson
Kenneth, Marlon J, & Pamela K Kilen
Diane Kilsdonk
Jon Kleinke
Peggy & Ron Kopp
Jodi & Ray W Kordonowy
Brenda & Tim D Larson
Merlyn D & Rosemary Larson
Chris C & Michelle R Larson
Judith J & Rodney Lassey
Rhonda Lawhead
Brian D Lewis
Mary B Little
Almond Farms LLC
Hay Creek Resources LLC
Heart Plus LLC
Johnson, Calvin Z Land LLC
Johnson, Craig L Land LLC
Shadwell Resources Group LLC
Daw LLC
Doubleda, LLC
Dynneson Land LLC
EMEP Acquisitions LLC
Klose Lands LLLP
Lone Butte Properties, LLP
Kittleson Family Partnership LP
Gregory T Lytle
Mark A & Mary H Martin
Howard & Marion Martini
Thomas H Martini
Tara Mathern
Joseph May
Jerry R McMillen
David R McMillen
Eric J & Keri L McPherson
Bronwyn L & Roger W Meyer
Curtis M & Jana D Miller
Jana Minifie
Montana, State of University
Clint Mullin
Darcy Mullin
Dawn Mullin
Lacey Mullin
Darin Mullin
David A & Merle A Mullin
Delon & Theresa Murschel
Bette Kay Nelson
Charles F & Matthew J Nevins
Jill & Kelli Norby
Catherine M & Daryl Norgaard
Kathy M & Rocky L Obergfell
Harl & Janice Oland
Brien, Toby A, & Zane R Panasuk
Jeffrey L Partin
Richard I Partin
Timothy T Partin
55 Partnership
J Harry Johnson Lt. Partnership
Merrill, TBA Family Partnership
Daniels Family Partnership
Richland County Impact
Radius From Man Camp
​
The map shows several fracking sites near the current man camp located off HWY 200. The yellow dot represents the man camp, while the blue dots indicate some of the many fracking sites visible on Google Earth. The shorter yellow line shows a 5-mile radius.
The current water rights application seeks permission to use Richland County groundwater at any site within a 25-mile radius, as shown in the next image. The long yellow line represents this 25-mile radius from the man camp, which encompasses hundreds of active pump jacks.
​
Fracking or refracting at some of these sites using our aquifer has already caused nearby wells to dry up. If it is allowed to continue and expand, we risk further depletion of the water supply. The owners profiting from these pumps should be required to bring in suitable water from other sources, as is done in other regions, rather than extracting it from neighboring landowners.