Area residents need to weigh in on river toxicity
Letter to the Editor:
On Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and British Columbia Ministry of the Environment (MoE) will co-host a stakeholder meeting concerning the selenium pollution of Lake Koocanusa from upstream British Columbia coal mines. I encourage anyone who fishes or recreates on Lake Koocanusa, or is concerned about economic development in the region, to attend this meeting, to be held at the Riverstone Lodge in Eureka.
Earlier that day the Lake Koocanusa International Workgroup will be meeting to discuss water sampling methods and standards, fish toxicity and other issues related to selenium and other pollutants crossing the border. This group will eventually determine the depth and scope of the science used to control the pollution.
This is not a new issue. The pollution emanating from coal mines on the Elk River has been mounting for years and is increasing. Complicating the picture, this pollution will continue to increase and persist hundreds of years into the future unless Teck mining and the B.C. government commit to water treatment and other measures that actually address the problem.
A solution is possible, but only if Montana citizens insist on it. Montanans dealt effectively with proposed mountaintop removal coal mines in the North Fork of the Flathead by insisting on a coal mining ban on both sides of the border near Glacier Park. Now it’s time for citizens and the state – from the governor’s office down – to focus on the Elk and Koocanusa.
It’s now beyond time to act. The Montana DEQ shares some of the blame for this delay. It’s time for DEQ to step up and protect Montana’s interests.
DEQ needs to fight for a scientifically defensible standard for selenium pollution in Koocanusa. I am concerned that DEQ will adopt a standard that benefits B.C. at the expense of Montana’s economy and environment. To do so would actually subsidize the B.C. coal mining industry at Montana’s expense.
Please plan on attending this meeting, learn more about the issue, and express your thoughts on improving water quality and lowering fish toxicity in Lake Koocanusa.
Dawain Burgess,
Fortine