Alarm or Alarmist—Flathead Beacon raises concern over BC Coal Mining

University of Montana Scientist Erin Sexton. — Photo courtesy University of Montana

The same week that Teck Coal received environmental approval from the BC Government for their Elk Valley Water Quality Plan in the Elk Valley, the Flathead Beacon based in Kalispell, Montana published an article entitled, "Concerns Renewed as B.C. Coal Mining Pollutants Increase in Montana Watershed."

"The plans for expansion (at one mine) are equivalent to a new mine footprint. This is concerning, particularly as we continue to see alarming data with respect to elevated levels of contaminants from the existing mines." stated Erin Sexton, a research scientist at the Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana -- who was quoted extensively in the article.

Sexton goes on to state, "The Elk River is shot at this point. Its story has been told and it's now a matter of remediation." She added that contaminants (in the Elk River) are causing spinal deformities in westslope cutthroat trout. "We need to ensure the same thing doesn't happen downstream in Montana."

An aquatic ecologist, Clint Muhlfeld, of the U.S. Geological Survey's Glacier National Park field office stated in the article, "There are several indicators that the Elk River is nearing or has already exceeded a critical tipping point. Selenium is a ticking time bomb, and its effects are being realized all the way down the transboundary river system and into Lake Koocanusa."

Eric Urban, of the Department of Environmental Quality, was quoted as saying, "Teck has been cooperative every step of the way, and the company did not shy away from the cost estimates that peg the price tag for long-term mitigation of the Elk River at $2 billion -- they don't seem to be too frightened by the figure."

Urban concluded by saying, "Right now, we are not terrified. We have the opportunity to turn this freight train around for Montana."

Read the entire Beacon article here.