Montana mining companies work to avoid another geese die-off - The Spokesman-Review

BUTTE, Mont. – Mining companies hope to prevent another massive die-off of geese in the polluted waters of an old open-pit copper mine in Montana.

The Montana Standard reported Friday bird experts worry that with the annual northward migration of geese underway, birds might again be tempted to rest in the water in Berkeley Pit in Butte.

In November 2016, an estimated 3,000 snow geese died after they landed in the acidic, metal-laden water.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined they were killed by severe internal tissue damage that appeared to have been caused by a corrosive substance.

Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield are responsible for the site, which is undergoing a Superfund cleanup.

Atlantic Richfield put together a hazing system to scare the birds away with booming noises and rifle shots.