Alaska-British Columbia Mining Agreement: A Decade of Discontent

In 2015, Alaska and British Columbia (B.C.) signed a significant agreement aimed at giving Alaskans a voice in mining developments upstream of Southeast Alaska. This accord was established under the administration of then-Governor Bill Walker, fostering a working group that convened biannually to discuss mining and environmental concerns. However, ten years later, environmental advocates argue that the current administration, led by Governor Mike Dunleavy, has not upheld its commitments under this agreement.

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

Breanna Walker, a representative from the environmental group Salmon Beyond Borders, has criticized the Dunleavy administration for its perceived neglect of key aspects of the agreement. She highlights the discontinuation of water quality monitoring on cross-border rivers in 2021 as a significant failure. Walker emphasizes that Alaskans have not been adequately informed about pollution incidents, such as those from the Tulsequah Chief Mine, which has been contaminating the Taku River for decades. She asserts that the state has not kept pace with the mining activities that threaten the region's waterways, stating, “Alaskans learned about that pollution through the media. They did not learn about that from the state or from the province of British Columbia.”

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

In contrast, officials from the Dunleavy administration maintain that they remain committed to protecting Alaskan interests. Sam Dapcevich from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) argues that the state has continued to advocate for Alaskans at working group meetings and that the cessation of state-level water quality monitoring was justified due to overlapping federal efforts. Dapcevich stated, “DEC is fully engaged and working with our B.C. counterparts on activity awareness and status of projects.” He also noted that the state requested updates on the Tulsequah Chief Mine cleanup during the most recent cross-border meeting.

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

Critics, including Walker, contend that the state’s actions reflect a broader abdication of responsibility. They argue that the lack of transparency and communication undermines the original intent of the agreement, which was to ensure that Alaskans are informed and involved in decisions affecting their environment. Walker insists that the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, such as Alaska tribes and fishermen, in discussions is essential for a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

As mining activity in B.C. continues to expand, the implications for Southeast Alaska's environment remain a pressing concern. The ongoing dialogue between Alaska and B.C. will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the original agreement and the future of environmental protections in the region. The state’s commitment to advocacy and transparency will be tested as stakeholders seek to ensure that Alaskan voices are not lost in the process.

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

• “That's a clear example, in my opinion, of how the state is abdicating the responsibility that they have to Alaskans.” — Breanna Walker, Salmon Beyond Borders

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage

• “I just want people to understand that our agencies are deeply involved between the two governments, advocating for cleanup, and we're using shared science to protect these rivers,” — Sam Dapcevich, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

KSKA - NPR - Anchorage