Canadian mining threatens Flathead

[Ed I]

An effort to tap Canadian coalbed methane reserves has resurrected decades-old fears that mining pollutants might flushsouth of the border, contaminating waters from Glacier National Park to Flathead Lake.

"Certainly, the area that the British Columbia government has targeted for a massive, vast coalbed methane field does cover the Flathead," said David Thomas. "This risk is very real to dowstream communities." Thomas is a city councilman in Fernie, B.C, where he says there's a "definite feeling of concern and unease" regarding the Canadian coalbed methane proposal.

"From the American perspective," he said, "this will have a far greater impact on water quality, wildlife and environment than any drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge."

And in addition to the Canadian coalbed methane proposal. Montana water quality watch dogs received word this week that old coal tunnels just north of Glacier National Park will be reopened next month as British Columbia seeks high grade coal for export.

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