“To be clear, it is not DEQ’S role to determine whether or in what location a subdivision may be developed; that determination is made at the local level, in this case by the county.”

“It is important to understand that DEQ’s review is limited to the parts of the project that are under our regulatory authority. These include the water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities. We are committed to assuring that the construction of these facilities complies with Montana statutes, rules, and standards. To be clear, it is not DEQ’s role to determine whether or in what location a subdivision may be developed; that determination is made at the local level, in this case by the County. At this phase in the process, DEQ’s role is to ensure that facilities developed conform to design standards set forth in law, rule, and Circular.”

"Big Sky is facing a critical workforce housing shortage, and we are proud to be part of the solution with The Quarry—a thoughtfully designed development that will provide high-quality, attainable housing while prioritizing environmental responsibility.From the beginning, we have worked closely with the Gallatin County Board of County Commissioners to address concerns brought forward by the community during public hearings. As a development located near the river, the commission challenged us to go beyond the minimum requirements and implement the best possible environmental solutions for wastewater treatment.Through this collaboration, we identified an innovative solution developed by Septic Net, a firm in Butte. Their advanced Level 2 septic system treats wastewater to the same level of nitrate removal as the Big Sky Water and Sewer District’s treatment plant. The commission required that The Quarry either implement this cutting-edge system or connect to a larger community sewer system—ensuring that water quality remains a top priority.Beyond our development, we also took a proactive role in improving wastewater management in the entire Gallatin Canyon area. In working with the Gallatin County Commission and the Big Sky Resort Tax Board, we helped start the Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District. This new district will work to remove aging septic tanks along the river and connect properties to a modern sewer system, dramatically improving water quality and protecting the long-term health of the river. The Quarry will play a vital role in supporting this initiative.In addition to its environmental commitments, The Quarry is designed to ensure long-term housing affordability. To maintain attainability for the local workforce, we are implementing deed restrictions on a portion of the homes and limiting short-term rentals, preventing them from being converted into vacation properties. This ensures that the housing we build will continue to serve Big Sky’s employees and residents for years to come.We are also taking additional steps to reduce our environmental footprint by incorporating zero-scaping throughout the development, which will minimize the need for irrigation water. By using native and drought-resistant plants, The Quarry will help conserve water resources while maintaining a natural, aesthetically pleasing landscape.The Quarry is more than just a housing project—it’s an investment in the sustainability of Big Sky. By addressing workforce housing needs while also advancing environmental protections, we are ensuring that Big Sky’s workers can live near their jobs without compromising the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.

One other item of note is the community involvement that has been available all the way through our entitlement process. To date in all the hearings that we have had at Gallatin County, there have been 7 public comment opportunites at the local Big Sky level and 11 opportunities at the County Commission level. Along with 2 at the State DEQ level."