Complaints made over utility management of Hebgen Lake, dam

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Summer drought followed by a Hebgen Dam component failure in late November has led to complaints.

People are speaking out against how the dam's owner managed the water levels in Hebgen Lake over the summer and why it failed to notice a sudden reduction in the amount of water being released into the Madison River this fall.

Owners of recreational businesses that rely on Hebgen Lake argued NorthWestern Energy released excessive water during the spring, leaving the lake below its full pool minimum for 70 days last summer.

Environmental groups want NorthWestern held responsible for potential damage to the brown trout fishery in the Madison River.