110R

Date
Topic

Water Quality

Description
A Reference to examine water quality and quantity of the Flathead River relating to the transboundary water quality and quantity implications of the proposed coal mine development in British Columbia; and to make recommendations which would assist Governments in ensuring that the provisions of Article IV of the Boundary Waters are honoured.
Outcome

The IJC recommended that the coal mine should not be approved or receive regulatory approval in the future unless: (a) the potential transboundary impacts constitute a level of risk acceptable to both Governments; and (b) the potential impacts on the sport fish populations and habitat in the Flathead River system be fully mitigated. The IJC also recommended that the Governments consider opportunities for defining and implementing compatible, equitable and sustainable development activities and management strategies in the upper Flathead River basin.