Officials from the U.S. and Canada are taking action to address long-standing concerns from Native American tribes and environmental groups in Idaho regarding water contamination in the Kootenai River. The International Joint Commission (IJC), which oversees the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, is now accepting public comments until August 27. The commission is gathering data on mining pollution and ecosystem health in the Kootenai River to better understand the impact of contaminants on the shared waterway.
The Boundary Waters Treaty mandates that neither country should pollute transboundary waters to the extent that it harms the health and property of the other. For over a century, British Columbia’s Elk Valley has been the site of significant coal mining activities, which have had a substantial economic impact on the region. However, the Idaho Conservation League has raised alarms about excessive mineral discharge from these operations entering the Elk River, which then flows into the Kootenai River, impacting both Montana and Idaho.
One of the primary concerns is the high levels of selenium in the water basin, which threaten the fish populations that the Kootenai Tribe has worked hard to restore. The Idaho Capital Sun has reported that selenium pollution from British Columbia is not only affecting the Kootenai River but may also harm aquatic life further downstream in the Columbia River and Washington state, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report.
Jennifer Ekstrom, North Idaho director for the Idaho Conservation League, expressed optimism about the IJC’s involvement. The league has advocated for addressing this pollution issue since 2019. Ekstrom emphasized the importance of ensuring that the coal mining pollution is properly managed and that U.S. waters are safeguarded.
In March, both U.S. and Canadian governments requested the IJC to form a study board to collect data on pollution in the watershed and its effects on people and wildlife. The board is expected to submit an interim report within a year and a final report with recommendations by 2026. Additionally, a governance body with representatives from British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, along with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, will review the data and develop an action plan to mitigate water pollution.
Ekstrom also expressed concern over the recent sale of Teck Resources’ coal operations in Elk Valley to the Swiss-based company Glencore. She noted Glencore’s problematic history with environmental issues, citing a contaminated Superfund site at their aluminum smelter in Montana. The conservation league is calling for assurances that water pollution will be effectively addressed and managed long-term.
The public comment period represents an important first step for addressing these environmental challenges and working towards a sustainable solution for the Kootenai River and its surrounding ecosystems.
