Despite environmental concerns raised about an already under-construction subdivision in Columbia Falls, Flathead County commissioners on April 21 renewed a preliminary plat for Tamarack Meadows.  

Schellinger Construction, which is constructing the 47.33-acre subdivision, requested an expedited review to extend preliminary plat approval that was set to expire in February. Planning Director Erik Mack said his staff didn’t have time to review the final plat that was submitted before the expiration date.  

Columbia Falls City Council in 2022 first approved the preliminary plat for the subdivision, located at the north end of Meadow Lake Resort, when it fell within the city’s “doughnut” planning jurisdiction, a 1- to 2-mile zone outside of city limits. An updated version of the Montana Land Use Advisory Act, however, did away with the doughnut, and the subdivision came under county control.  

During the public hearing, stakeholders pointed to past environmental policy violations issued by the Flathead Conservation District and Montana Department of Environmental Quality upon investigations conducted last fall. Many said it warranted additional environmental review to ensure the stormwater retention ponds comply with state policy.  

“Those drainage pools ... are unsightly on a good day. They’re absolutely horrible to look at,” said Ann Halter, who lives off Meadow Lake Drive. “All the silt that went into Garnier Creek ... it seems to me it’s going to take a long, long time to mitigate itself.” 

Multiple complaints were filed with the Flathead Conservation District in 2024 and 2025 over the subdivision, alleging it violated the Montana Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act. Neighbors said they witnessed muddied water discharge into Garnier Creek, a small trout stream that runs adjacent to Tamarack Meadows. 

Plans to build 103 single-family lots remain unchanged from 2022. Schellinger obtained a conditional use permit from the county Board of Adjustment on April 7 to cluster the residential lots on 22.24 acres, with an average of .22 acres per lot, and leave 17.52 acres in open space. Roads are planned to take up approximately 7.14 acres, according to a staff report. 

Several local residents also raised issue with the stormwater retention ponds being built in the designated open space of the subdivision. Mack said this is permitted under the county’s subdivision regulations. 

“It’s my understanding that 98% of the work has been completed on this subdivision,” Mack said at the April 21 meeting. “The roads are in, most of the utilities are in. The retention areas have been constructed, so this is an expedited review for the subdivision.” 

State law sets criteria for expedited review of certain subdivisions. The property must be located within a county sewer and water district, subject to an adopted growth policy and comply with zoning regulations. County officials determined Schellinger’s application met all three conditions.  

Expedited review sends the application straight to county commissioners for a public hearing and a vote, instead of going through the county Planning Board. It also removes the requirement for an environmental assessment. 

THE FLATHEAD Conservation District urged planning staff to follow the standard procedure for a major subdivision preliminary plat, instead of expedited review, after investigations conducted last year uncovered environmental policy violations. 

The conservation district levied a $15,000 fine against the company in November, after it found that Schellinger violated a 310 permit, which sets parameters and safeguards for working near streams, the Hungry Horse News reported. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality also levied an $11,750 fine against the company for accidentally discharging muddied water into the creek last summer.  

Schellinger Construction has since taken corrective action. The original violation from the conservation district is now closed, and the latter fine was cut in half. However, the conservation district says development of the subdivision still poses a significant impact to Garnier Creek. 

“Due to the absence of environmental analysis and lack of specific information in the application provided with this referral, [Flathead Conservation District] is unable to determine if it complies with state law or subdivision regulations,” the agency said.  

Conditions in the preliminary plat require that stormwater drainage systems be reviewed, approved and permitted by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Meadow Lake Water and Sewer District and the Flathead City-County Health Department. A wetland delineation report also recommends a 50-foot vegetative buffer from the wetlands and sensitive riparian area corridor along Granier Creek. 

Report for America reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at (406) 758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.