A long-awaited agreement aims to address toxic selenium pollution from Canadian mines flowing into U.S. waters.
Kylie Mohr reports for High Country News.
In short:
- Selenium from Canadian mining operations in British Columbia is polluting rivers in Montana and Idaho, raising health and environmental concerns.
- The U.S. and Canada have requested the International Joint Commission to investigate and recommend solutions for this transboundary issue.
- Efforts to mitigate selenium pollution may take decades and billions of dollars, highlighting the complexity of cross-border environmental challenges.
Key quote:
“Trying to be a good neighbor, but trying to serve the economic interests of your own nation … sometimes they do conflict.”
— Andrea Gerlak, University of Arizona professor
Why this matters:
Addressing selenium pollution is important for protecting public health and preserving aquatic ecosystems along the U.S.-Canada border. The affected rivers are lifelines for both wildlife and people, serving as sources of drinking water, recreational spaces, and habitats for countless species. Read more: ‘Them plants are killing us’: Inside a cross-border battle against cancer and pollution.
