| System Reconstruction Includes Modernized Lagoon System |
| (Kalispell, MT, August 4, 2026) — The Flathead National Forest today released the Finding of Applicability and No Extraordinary Circumstances, a FANEC, for the Holland Wastewater Treatment System Reconstruction Project. This document signifies the completion of the environmental analysis process on the Holland Wastewater Treatment System Reconstruction Project and outlines the decision that has been made. The project will reconstruct the wastewater treatment system that serves a loop of the Holland Lake Campground, RV dump station and Holland Lake Lodge (a privately owned lodge operating on National Forest lands and managed by the Flathead National Forest under a special use authorization, resort permit). The treatment system is approximately 11 miles south of Condon near Highway 83 adjacent to the Holland Lake Lodge and Holland Lake Campground. The project will replace and modernize the wastewater treatment system which will protect soil and water quality, restore a valued recreational opportunity for the community, a driver for the local economy, and improvement of visitor access to the surrounding National Forest lands – all desired conditions identified in the Flathead National Forest Plan. The Forest Service contracted a private engineering firm to design the system. The reconstructed wastewater treatment system will be a lagoon type facility, similar to what exists now. The new system will provide better tracking and analysis of flows in and out of the system and ensure there is adequate separation between lagoon bottoms and groundwater. System reconstruction will involve partial demolition of existing facilities, followed by installation of the modernized lagoon system. “The project decision authorizes reconstruction of a smaller system than what we proposed in March,” said Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello. “In response to what we heard from the public, we looked more closely at the actual treatment needs from the Holland Lake campground, RV dump station and lodge and were able to adjust the winter capacity to more accurately reflect anticipated winter use of the treatment system. Reducing the size of the aeration and storage lagoons will reduce the cost of the project as well as the footprint, ground disturbance and minimize impacts compared to a larger system.” Implementation of the project, including demolition of components of the current system and installation of the new system, is anticipated to begin in 2027. Reconstruction of the system is expected to be complete in 2028. Project documents are available for public review on the project webpage.About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.### |
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