The International Joint Commission (IJC) will host a virtual information session on transboundary pollution in the Elk-Kootenay watershed.
IJC officials said its commissioners will provide opening comments followed by a staff presentation and a question-and-answer period.
Kathryn Teeneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair, said she’s glad to see progress on the issue.
“This is something the Ktunaxa nation, both north and south of the Canada/US border, have been pushing for a number of years,” said Teeneese.
“We’re very pleased this is finally going to happen.”
The information session will focus on water pollution, actions taken by the IJC, and the next steps.
Teeneese said she is hopeful to see where the IJC process goes.
“The IJC will bring forward scientists and experts who will look at the situation and hopefully come up with some recommendation on how we might move forward,” said Teeneese.
“From the perspective of the Nation, we’re very happy this is occurring.”
The IJC referral came in response to ongoing selenium pollution from Elk Valley mines’ run-off.
“In the early years, there was very little oversight and I think it’s all catching up with us,” said Teeneese. “We know we have very high levels of selenium and other nitrates that are being deposited in the Kootenay River and impacting all of the wildlife.”
The watershed runs from the Elk Valley into the United States at Lake Koocanusa, then through Montana and Idaho, and through transboundary Ktunaxa lands, then back into B.C. where it empties into the Columbia River.
The public is invited to join the information session set for May 30 at 6:30 p.m. (MT) or 5:30 p.m. (PT).
You can register by the May 28 deadline here and submit questions by contacting elk@ijc.org.
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