FBC position on CBM in the B.C. Flathead:

The Flathead Basin Commission has consistenly expressed grave concerns about the potential indusrialization of the Basin from coalfield development activities.  As more research comes to light from our scientists in Montana, it is clear that Coalbed Methane exploration and production are simply unacceptable activities in this spectacular ecosystem which we call home.

British Petroleum (BP) will soon seek an exploratory permit for drilling Coalbed Methane (CBM) in the B.C. portion of the Flathead Basin.  BP announced that they plan to conduct their environmental baseline assessment simultaneous with CBM exploration activiites.  No scientific basis or rationale can be used to justify this approach to collecting baseline data, and the results from such a study will be compromised due to the highly invasive and destrucutive nature of exploratory activities. 

The FBC has consistently advocated for a 3-5 year baseline assessment as part of the Memorandum of Understanding which until recently was being negotiatied between the State of Montana and the Province of British Columbia in order to monitor water quality and other natural resources within the Basin. Such a baseline study is essential to document existing conditions on the ground.  However, in our view, the baseline study proposed by British Petroleum (BP) should not be viewed as a prerequisite for obtaining an exploratory permit, nor should it translate into approval for CBM permitting or production.  Dispensation from our goal of protecting water quality and other natural resources in the Flathead Basin is not conferred by virtue of conducting a baseline assessment.

The FBC believes that Coalbed Methane exploration and production will violate both the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 and the Environmental Cooperation Arrangement of 2003.  In the spritit of international cooperation, and in an effort to facilitate compliance with existing agreements, the FBC is continuing to work will all relevant stakeholders to idenfity a long term solution to the chronic threat of coalfied development in the B.C. portion of the Flathead Basin.  In order ot accomplish this goal, we need the public support of basin residents on both sides of the border to ensure that the spectacular natural amenities of the Flathead Basin are preserved for us and for future generations.