From the Tuesday, July 20, 2004 issue of the Missoulian . . .
KALISPELL - A Canadian decision not to study environmental impacts prior to selling coalbed methane leases appears to contradict an internal report commissioned by British Columbia's government.
Last week, a delegation from British Columbia told Montana leaders they would not conduct baseline scientific studies prior to selling methane fields north of Glacier National Park.
Gov. Judy Martz had requested upfront study, as had Montana's congressional delegation. They were joined in that request by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the town council in Fernie, British Columbia. Also asking for baseline data collection prior to leasing was the Flathead Basin Commission, whose members include leaders from state, federal and tribal agencies.
And, it turns out, the province's own advisers also have called for the sort of baseline study British Columbia officials now say will not happen.
In a report prepared for the province's Ministry of Energy and Mines, staffers at Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd. concluded "it appears that there are relatively significant gaps in the availability of data and overall information in the following areas of environmental baseline investigations."
The report, released in April, goes on to cite data shortfalls with regard to air quality, climate, streamflow and water quality.
The findings by the Veron, B.C., consultants appear to contradict statements made by provincial officials, who assured Montana leaders last week that adequate baseline data did, in fact, exist.
Read the entire article . . .