Public Comment Period on the Elk-Kootenai/y Water Pollution Study

Date
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Kootenay River

The International Joint Commission (IJC) invites comments on its Elk-Kootenai/y water pollution study from August 6, 2024 through August 27, 2024. The IJC is in the early stages of the study portion of the Reference, and will be establishing the study board by September 6, 2024.  
 
The IJC is looking for your comments on the following questions:   

  • How would you like to receive updates on study board activities? 
     
  • Are there existing programs, data or information you would like to share with the IJC at this early stage in the study? For example, are there ecosystem health studies you would like us to be aware of?  
     
  • Are you interested in participating in the Elk-Kootenai/y Water Pollution Study? If so, please send us your availability, contact information and CV.  

Background  

On March 8, 2024, the governments of Canada and the United States provided a Reference that incorporates a proposal developed in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation to the International Joint Commission to carry out certain actions addressing the impacts of transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed.   
 

These Commission actions include: assisting in the establishment an IJC study board comprised of experts and knowledge holders to conduct transparent and coordinated transboundary data and knowledge sharing; share, synthesize, and analyze data and information to support a common understanding of pollution within the Kootenai/y watershed and the impacts of that pollution on people and species; and report and recommend in a transparent and publicly available format. 
 

The study board will work with the IJC to establish the necessary technical teams, groups and other advisory bodies.  
 

The study board will be requested to submit an interim report within one year and a final report and recommendations, including for areas for further study, within two years of its establishment. 
 

The IJC is soliciting comments on the  Elk-Kootenai/y water pollution study from August 6, 2024 through August 27, 2024.  

 

Methods to participate 

How to submit your comments 

Before submitting your comments, please review the IJC's Privacy Policy pertaining to public submissions. Ensure that your name and contact information are included in your document. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.  
 

  • By email: send your comments in an email or with a Word or PDF document attachment to elk@ijc.org  
  • Online: create an account using the "register" link below, or  
  • By mail: 

Canada  

United States  

Attn: Comments – Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Structure 
Canadian Section  
234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor   
Ottawa ON K1P 6K6  
Canada  

Attn: Comments -  Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Structure 
U.S. Section  
1717 H Street NW, Suite 835  
Washington DC 20006  
United States  

How your comments will be used 

The IJC will review and consider all comments received before establishing the Study Board.   
 

Consultation period 

Comments will be accepted from August 6, 2024 to August 27, 2024. 

 

More information 

 

Events

Public comment period opens: August 6, 2024
Public comment period end: August 27, 2024