A Summer Under the Big Sky: Environmental Compliance, Response, and Remediation in Montana’s Energy Industry
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Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-1-2026

Abstract

During the summer of 2026, I worked as an Environmental Analyst Intern on the Pipelines & Terminals team at CHS, Inc. in Laurel, Montana. I worked across four main sectors of environmental work: compliance, emergency response, remediation, and project management within an industrial setting. I supported projects designed to improve both regulatory compliance and the organization of environmental information across CHS facilities. My primary work responsibilities included creating floating-roof tank inspection documentation to reflect updated regulations and developing terminal-specific Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) inspection forms. I also assisted with multiple emergency-response preparation activities, including oil-spill boom deployment exercises, demonstrating how facilities turn written response plans into actionable methods and practical procedures. In the field, I assisted with a GeoProbe investigation of contaminated soil, gaining exposure to environmental site investigation and remediation practices, from the discovery of contamination and communication with state authorities to considerations of subsurface investigation. Additionally, I helped develop an ArcGIS-based mapping system for spill-response equipment and spill-relevant facilities, enhancing the organization of environmental information so it could be more effectively accessed during planning and response activities. These experiences reflected the interdisciplinary nature of environmental work in the energy industry, where geology, environmental science, engineering, regulation, and project management frequently intersect. My internship strengthened my understanding of how environmental professionals assess risk, maintain compliance, investigate contamination, and prepare facilities to respond to environmental emergencies. Ultimately, this experience strengthened my preparedness and skills in considering the impact of a global industry on local communities and health, reinforcing my interest in pursuing a career that combines environmental geoscience and engineering with applied problem-solving.

Department

Pipelines & Terminals Team, CHS, Inc., Laurel, Montana

Project Mentor

Ken Brown

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funded by the DePauw Faculty Development Committee.

A Summer Under the Big Sky: Environmental Compliance, Response, and Remediation in Montana’s Energy Industry

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