Learn About the Berkeley Pit
Water
The more we understand about the Berkeley Pit water, the better able we are to manage the Berkeley Pit.
Superfund
The Berkeley Pit is the primary focus of the Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit (BMFOU) within the Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area National Priority List Superfund site.
Geology
Understanding Butte’s natural geology helps explain why the Berkeley Pit was formed and why the water is contaminated.
Waterfowl Protection
A rigorous waterfowl protection program is in place to deter birds from landing on the Berkeley Pit.
Research & Science
The Berkeley Pit has been the subject of over 30 years of research and observation and continues today.
Glossary
The Superfund process involves a lot of jargon. Our glossary breaks down terms that may be unfamiliar to you.
Educational Tours
Tours for school groups, government agencies, community organizations, and similar groups are available by appointment. Email info@pitwatch.org to arrange a tour.
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Taming the Berkeley Pit
The Taming of the Berkeley Pit by Dick Maney documents the construction of the Polishing Plant that was designed to filter mine water to a point that it could be safely discharged into Silver Bow Creek. The process, the construction, and the reasons for the Polishing...
ABC FOX Montana – Berkeley Pit Waterfowl Protection Program
Every year thousands of birds fly over Butte on their migrations. Engineers work diligently as part of the Berkeley Pit Waterfowl Protection Program to ensure these birds don't come to rest on the Pit. ABC FOX Montana reported on how the program achieves a success...
Superfund during the COVID-19 pandemic
By Matt Vincent Right now, everything is seemingly within the iron grip of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Our daily lives have been redefined by the government’s response. As of Tuesday, April 15, Montana has 404 confirmed cases, 50 cumulative...