# OSMRE Awards Montana Mine Reclamation Contract

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has recognized the Montana Department of Environmental Quality with the 2026 Western States and Tribes Regional Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for its successful execution of the Belt Water Treatment Plant project in Cascade County, Montana. This $13 million project, operational since November 2025, addresses acid mine drainage impacting Belt Creek, significantly improving water quality and community health. The award highlights effective state-led reclamation efforts transforming legacy coal mining impacts into environmental restoration and public benefit.

- The contract involved construction and operation of a water treatment facility to remediate acid mine drainage, a critical environmental and public health concern.
- Procurement professionals should note the importance of environmental compliance and community impact in reclamation projects, which can influence contract awards and funding.
- This recognition underscores opportunities for contractors specializing in environmental remediation, water treatment infrastructure, and mine reclamation within state and federal programs.
- Agencies and contractors can leverage this example to support proposals emphasizing sustainable environmental outcomes and community health improvements in similar reclamation efforts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
- Montana Department of Environmental Quality

### Sources
- [OSMRE presents Montana with the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for the Western States and Tribes Region | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement](https://www.osmre.gov/news/osmre-presents-montana-abandoned-mine-land-reclamation-award-western-states-and-tribes-region) - Osmre