Montanans have every reason to be suspicious and concerned with Canadian standards for considering coal mining in the headwaters of the North Fork Flathead.

Justifiably wary of Canadian mine

There are many accounts from Canadians, after all, who are suspicious of the British Columbia provincial government when it comes to mining.

Montanans certainly can't expect to have influence over British Columbia's mining and environmental laws. We do not question the province's ability to pursue mining as it sees fit - except when a proposed mine presents potential for violating the long-standing Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, which has specific provisions regarding downstream pollution that can harm either the U.S. or Canada.

Mining projects that present economic benefits for Canada and downstream pollution for Montana are not well and good. And that could be the case with the so-called Lodgepole Mining project being pursued by Canada's Cline Mining Corp.

The state of Montana is officially seeking an inventory of current water quality and environmental conditions in the transboundary area, to be able to weigh the potential impacts of a mining project and to measure those impacts if mining proceeds upstream.

But so far, the province hasn't shown an interest in conducting a "baseline assessment."

So far, top British Columbia officials have offered assurances to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the state's congressional delegation that any mine in the headwaters of the North Fork will be "subject to an extensive review, ensuring that British Columbia's high environmental standards are met."

Well, that's not entirely reassuring, considering that the province's standards pale in comparison to U.S. standards, and considering that Cline has announced to its investors that it plans to pursue a small-mine permit for the Lodgepole Project. The small-mine permit entails considerably less oversight and environmental analysis than a large-scale mining permit. Cline's forward-looking financial documents clearly state the company plans to establish mining infrastructure and operations to produce 250,000 tons of coal annually starting at the end of 2006 under a small-mine permit, and then consider "increases in production capacity," which would require a large-scale mining permit and a more rigorous review process. The Lodgepole site has a future production potential of 2 million to 3 million tons a year.

Schweitzer and Montana's congressional delegation must keep close tabs on the situation, because the state is justified in preventing a violation of the Boundary Waters Treaty, rather than waiting for the violation to develop.