As 2020 winds down, and we look to the end of this challenging year, we can at least say it has been a good one for the Taku (first photo below) and the Chilkat (second photo).
British Columbia finally released its plan for the closure and cleanup of the long polluting and extremely contentious Tulsequah Chief mine. We saw, for the first time, funding secured for initial remediation work, and a little of that work actually commence on site. And, as reported, the receivership status which has been limiting how BC could address the problem has been terminated. It’s no time for celebration, as many challenges remain, most notably the daunting task of actually stopping toxic acid mine discharge from the abandoned mine, and finding money to pay for it. Meaning attention and pressure from both sides of the border must be sustained. But we are getting there!
And when I say “we” I mean Rivers Without Borders and our partners and supporters. With thanks to all.
The urging the state to continue prioritizing this issue and keep up pressure on BC to follow through echoes the above perfectly. Stakeholders calling for watershed protection is vital, not only toward keeping the remediation on track but also to help inspire a conservation outcome worthy of the Taku.
As for the Chilkat, the threat of mining in its headwaters diminished this year with publicity around the independent economic and environmental review of the Constantine Feasibility Study. Our effort was not the only set back for the Constantine project, but we believe potential investors are getting the message that mining here may not be a good idea.
On behalf of both the Taku and the Chilkat and all they sustain, we are grateful to our supporters for making our work possible. Here’s looking ahead to a brighter 2021.
