Comment on Fording River Extension project

Dear Impact Assessment Agency of Canada:

I write as a citizen of the U.S. and downstream neighbor of the Elk Valley mines, including the Fording River Mine. The mines in the Elk Valley leach toxic levels of selenium into the Elk Valley, as you well know, but that pollution flows south into Montana's Lake Koocanusa (Koocanusa Reservoir)and Kootenai(y) River at levels that are out of compliance with Montana law. These are not just standards on paper, but are standards developed to protect aquatic life and ecosystems from harm. Authorizing the Fording River expansion would have a significant, negative impact on Montana's environment, our economy, and our outdoor way of life.

I firmly request a halt to the permitting of the Elk Valley Coal mines until the province has addressed, mitigated, and reduced existing selenium contamination, as mine expansions and additional mines will only increase the amount of pollutants in our waterways.

Further, I request that you share these comments with the province.

Sincerely,