Since 1996, Atlantic Richfield and Montana Resources have implemented a rigorous waterfowl protection program at the Berkeley Pit. Over this time the program has adapted and improved methods that deter waterfowl from landing on the Pit and hazing of waterfowl from the Pit’s surface.
Protecting waterfowl at the Pit is a unique challenge due to its large size (over 450 acres), limited access to the shorelines, and the area’s harsh climate. The Pit is located within the direct flyway of Butte’s Bert Mooney Airport and within an active mining operation. These compounding conditions and issues must be balanced to maintain program effectiveness while ensuring that workers’ safety is never compromised.
Despite these challenges, the program is extremely successful at encouraging waterfowl to fly away safely and continue their migration journey.
Who manages the waterfowl protection program?
The waterfowl protection program is a collaborative effort between Atlantic Richfield Company and Montana Resources with oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The program draws on scientific research and information to continually improve its effectiveness.
Snow Geese Over the Pit
A flock of snow geese successfully hazed off of the Berkeley Pit flies away on a late fall day.
Preparing a Drone
Drones are another tool used to chase waterfowl from the pit.
Launching Unoccupied Vehicles
Staff launch a variety of unoccupied vehicles to haze waterfowl from the pit.
Propane Cannon
A worker presses a propane cannon used in the waterfowl protection program at the Berkely Pit.
How does the program work?
Scope of the Program
While most waterfowl migration occurs during the spring and fall, the Waterfowl Protection Program operates every day of the year. Its mission is simple: keep waterfowl from landing on the Berkeley Pit and safely haze (scare away) any birds that do.
Protecting waterfowl requires more than simply making noise. Every bird observed at the Berkeley Pit is counted and identified (by species) by highly trained waterfowl protection personnel. Montana is home to more than 40 species of waterfowl, and each species behaves differently and responds uniquely to various deterrent and hazing methods. Understanding these differences allows the team to use the most effective techniques for each situation.
By combining continuous monitoring, species-specific management, and a wide range of proven deterrent tools, the Waterfowl Protection Program currently has an overall success rate of 99.8% in preventing waterfowl from remaining on the Berkeley Pit.
Research and Collaboration
The Berkeley Pit Waterfowl Protection Program is guided by science. In addition to incorporating the latest research on waterfowl biology and migration, the program also conducts its own innovative studies to continually improve how waterfowl can be protected.
This work is made possible through ongoing collaborations with universities, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies across North America. By studying how waterfowl migrate, behave, and respond to changing environmental conditions, the program can develop more effective protection strategies, evaluate new technologies, and improve its preparedness for migration events.
Research and collaboration are central to the program’s success, ensuring that waterfowl protection efforts continue to evolve alongside advances in science and conservation.
Application of Technology Onsite
Technology plays an important role in the continued success of the Waterfowl Protection Program. New tools and approaches are routinely being developed, and the program continually evaluates and implements new technologies to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
One example is a suite of remotely operated vehicles designed specifically for waterfowl protection at the Berkeley Pit. Each system serves a unique purpose and can be used alongside traditional hazing methods. For example, a fleet of autonomous water-based vehicles can be deployed with lights and sirens to discourage waterfowl from landing on the Pit’s surface. Smaller, more agile unmanned boats can also be used to safely encourage birds that have already landed to leave the area.
Aerial vehicles provide additional flexibility, particularly during periods when ice conditions prevent the use of water-based vehicles. These systems allow personnel to respond quickly and effectively under a variety of conditions.
The program also uses other proven technologies, including remotely operated propane cannons that simulate sounds associated with human activity and hunting pressure, as well as high-powered handheld lasers that are especially effective during low-light conditions.
By combining emerging technologies with proven wildlife management techniques, the Waterfowl Protection Program continues to adapt and improve its ability to protect waterfowl at the Berkeley Pit.