Fording River Mine Expansion

I am writing to you to urge decision-makers to pause the permitting process for the Fording River Mine Expansion until:

• The completed recommendations of the International Joint Commission (IJC) are fully implemented and evaluated.
• Pollution from existing Elk Valley mines is proven to be under long-term control.
• Montana’s selenium standard of 0.8 µg/L is consistently met at the international border.
• Downstream communities, Tribes, fisheries, and local economies in Montana and Idaho are fully protected from harm.
• The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and other affected Tribes and First Nations have given their free, prior, and informed consent, and their concerns about water, fish, and cultural impacts have been fully addressed.
• Strong, enforceable safeguards are in place to protect shared waters for future generations.

I am a resident of Idaho, an active fly fisher and President of the North Idaho Fly Casters.  We aren't a big organization, but we do fish on the Kootenai River which has been affected by pollution from mining.  We are concerned that mining companies come and go, leaving lethal waste behind that has killed our fish and threatened drinking water.  There are a number of sites in our North Idaho area where we are still faced with cleanup of pollution that is over 100 years old.  Please do not automatically approve this without these clear and reliable measures in place.  Thank you.