Canada mining expansion prompts fears of pollution flowing into Montana

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This story of heavy metals in the Elk River drainage of B.C. drawing  the attention of the EPA here in the states appeared in the Missoulian back in December of 2012.

Expansion plans at some Canadian coal mines have alarmed American officials over the amount of heavy metals pollution that could be flowing across the international border into Montana.

“We’re seeing increased selenium runoff from existing mining activity, that’s why we’re concerned,” said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional director Jim Martin. “We’ve had a number of formal and informal conversations with the (British Columbia) provincial government.”

The mines lie in the Elk River drainage, roughly 100 miles north of Whitefish. That river flows into Lake Koocanusa on the Montana side of the border. In addition to selenium and other heavy metals, the mines contribute high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds that interfere with the river system’s aquatic life.

LINK (via: The Missoulian)

A new study released back in early March confirms the damage being done.

A study by University of Montana researchers shows that pollutants leeching into the heavily mined Elk River drainage in southeastern British Columbia have reached alarming levels, particularly as a metal-like element called selenium threatens critical fish habitat in Canada, as well as downstream in Montana.

LINK (via:Oregon Live)

Headwaters Montana is one of the groups on the front lines of this issue.