1980-09-15 Char-Koosta News

              PABLO, MONTANA 59855 ISSN: 0528-8592
VOLUME 10 NUMBER 10
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PALISH /PEND D'ORI ELLES ÄNgffQPTEN MOON OF THE HARVEST OF RIPE THINGS
SEPTEMBER 15,1980
Council Chooses Consulting Company   Stearns-Roger to look for "fatal flaw"
The Tribal Council voted August 29th to hire the engineering firm of Stearns-Roger to make a thorough investigation of the reservation leg of Northern Tier Pipeline Company's (NTPC) proposed pipeline route through Montana.
Dr. Louis York, chief environmental scientist, and Steve Dennis met with the Council to describe how they'll conduct a "fatal flaw" study of the route to identify whatever hazards and risks may exist. They explained that Stearns-Roger Engineering Corporation employs upwards of 40 professionals from various scientific disciplines -- geology, biology, hydrology, etc. - who will be available as necessary to assess the archeological, environmental, economic and social impacts of the project. They plan to cover the route on horseback and be ready to submit preliminary findings by October 1st. A complete study is expected by November 1st.
The Denver-based firm was selected from half-a-dozen of the largest environmental engineering companies in the country. The Council reviewed each of the prospective firms' study proposals, and on the recommendation of Wilkinson, Cragun and Barker, the Tribes' Washington, D.C. law firm, selected Stearns-Roger.
Joint District Meeting Announced
There will be a special meeting of the St. Ignatius and Dixon Tribal districts on Friday, September 19th to discuss the proposed changes in the constitution. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7:00 at the Community-Center in St. Ignatius. Councilmen Noel Pichette, Bearhead Swaney and Sonny Morigeau will be in attendance.
Estimated cost of the study is expected to run from $31,000 to $55,000. NTPC, in a signed agreement presented to the Council, has agreed to pay for the work by way of reimbursing the Tribes.
Before voting to hire his firm, Dr. York was questioned closely (conversations not quoted exactly):
Councilman Joe McDonald: I'm concerned about underground water sources, location of fault lines, and the facts about how much money NTPC will really be saving by cutting through the reservation.
Dr. York: The possibility of faults exists in this area and a history of past seismic activity will have to be researched. Underground water flows will be carefully considered.
McDonald: I'm also worried about the social effects of this project - interaction between construction workers and our young people, for instance, and the self-esteem of the people in the affected areas after the project is finished. Do you have a sociologist on staff?
York: We don't have a sociologist but if the Council wishes we'll locate and hire one.
Councilman Bearhead Swaney: Agreed with McDonald
(Continued on page 3)
Inside this issue...........................
BIA Social Services Transfer......................pai,e 4
Special Feature — The 1980 Democratic Convention
..................................Page 4 and Page 11
"Letters to the Editor"..........................pa^e 5
"Around the Campfire"........................page /q
Council Minutes..............................page ¡4