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For The Record

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP OF THE FLATHEAD

Sept. 18, 2009
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Here are the facts on sustainable environmental stewardship of the Flathead watershed:

  • There are no mines or any oil and gas drilling in the Flathead watershed.
  • Such activity would only be permitted if a development proponent was able to satisfy an independent statutory decision maker that the project met B.C.’s high environmental standards, satisfied all permit requirements and conditions, was consistent with the land use plan, undertook First Nations consultation and met technical requirements. 
  • The B.C. Government has established stringent measures to protect the environment of the Flathead watershed. The area is subject to a comprehensive consensus based land use plan, the Southern Rocky Mountain Management Plan, which was completed in 2003 following extensive consultations with First Nations, communities, environmental organizations and other stakeholders.
  • The plan provides specific objectives for managing recreation, conservation, minerals, oil and gas, forestry, tourism, and water quality. Its stated objective is to balance sustainable economic development with social and environmental values for the long term health of the economy, ecosystems and local communities.
  • The plan recognizes the unique habitat features of the Flathead River, and sets out specific objectives to protect the ecosystems associated with this waterway.  The plan has designated the B.C. portion of the Flathead watershed as an area open to mining subject to a number of considerations that recognise the uniqueness of the area.
  • In June 2004, B.C. built on this plan by establishing a Coal Land Reserve over 46 per cent of the province’s portion of the Flathead Valley drainage. A coal land reserve precludes any person from exploring, producing or developing coal or any coal licenses or leases being issued in the area.
  • Additionally, the proposed Lodgepole coal project was put on hold.
  • Recent mineral exploration activities include a small drilling program for gold near Howell Creek.
  • British Columbia has a world class environmental assessment process and regulatory regime designed to protect the environment at all stages of energy or mining project development.