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NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-MT-C010-2026-0024-CE
Project Name: VanArsdale Site Reclamation Project

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Project Information

NEPA Number

DOI-BLM-MT-C010-2026-0024-CE
Project Name

VanArsdale Site Reclamation Project
Project Type

CE
NEPA Status

In Progress - Public Scoping Period
Lead Office

Billings Field Office
Last Updated

7/14/2026 9:13:53 AM

Project Description

BLM proposes to demolish and remove surface facilities and contaminated soils at the Van Arsdale Hall 12X-1 abandoned oil and gas right-of-way site and dispose of materials at properly licensed off-site disposal facilities. 
To prevent additional release of hydrocarbons from compromised and unsecured containers, BLM hired a contractor to complete Phase 1 of this project. The contractor characterized, assessed and removed 19 Intermediate Bulk Containers, several drums and miscellaneous small containers of waste from the site in Fall 2025. The contractor also assessed surface soils, contents of large onsite tanks and buildings to identify contaminants and additional disposal needs in a Phase 2 Statement of Work.
Phase 2 removal of remaining facilities is needed because the onsite structures have been abandoned by a bankrupt company and are no longer used as an authorized right-of-way component. The facilities are abandoned, in disrepair and have partially collapsed, posing a public safety hazard. Leaking and discharge from onsite containers and pipes has contaminated surface soils and may have contaminated additional subsurface soils. Petroleum and other polluting materials remain in onsite tanks and facilities. Leaving these items on the landscape is causing a hazard to the public, damage to natural resources, unsightly views, additional leaking/leaching of hazardous materials and petroleum products, and degradation of other resources that the BLM is entrusted to protect and/or preserve. 
Abandoned facilities and removal actions are all on BLM managed surface. Underlying mineral rights are privately owned.
The wider area is being included for use of soil to fill in the reservoir and other areas that will need to be dug up due to the contamination from petroleum and seepage. Another plan is to utilize the soil from the Horsethief Recreation Area trail plan which has the same soil type and is approximately 3 miles away from the site (Exhibit B).

Project Location

City	State/Territory	Zip Code	County(ies)
Roundup	Montana	59072	Musselshell

Application Information

Program

Hazard Management and Resource Restoration

Project Dates

Start Date

7/14/2026

Project Office Information

Lead Office

Billings Field Office
Offices

Billings FO

Contacts

Contact 1 Name

Katarina Schumacher
Contact 1 Email

[email protected]
Contact 1 Phone

(406) 896-5349

Contact 2 Name

Daniel Seifert
Contact 2 Email

[email protected]
Contact 2 Phone

(406) 896-5199