AK HJR9

Urges the United States government to work with Canada to investigate long-term downstream effects of proposed and existing industrial development in British Columbia.

Identifies rapid expansion of large-scale mining in the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk watersheds, including Tulsequah Chief, New Polaris, Big Bull, Galore Creek, Red Chris, Schaft Creek, Brucejack, and Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell mines.

Expresses concern that proposed mines would generate billions of tons of acid-generating tailings held behind dams, posing threats of acid rock drainage for centuries requiring indefinite monitoring and maintenance.

Notes weaknesses in British Columbia's current monitoring and enforcement, citing ongoing acid rock drainage at Tulsequah Chief mine and the Mount Polley mine tailings dam failure.

Requests copies be sent to the U.S. Secretary of State and Alaska's congressional delegation, citing the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty as a model for addressing transboundary issues.