ID HR007

Express concern about a proposed silicon smelter project by Canadian company HiTest Silicon in Pend Oreille County, Washington, which could impact Idaho communities including Oldtown, Priest River, Blanchard, Vay, Laclede, Dover, and Sandpoint.

Identify potential risks from the smelting operation including unknown effects on surface and ground water quality, air quality, wildlife, ecosystems, timber values, property values, health impacts, and transportation systems.

Recognize past smelter operation abuses and significant problems in Idaho's Kellogg and Silver Valley areas, urging the state to learn from these mistakes and avoid repeating them.

Direct all branches and agencies of Idaho state government to provide necessary scrutiny, debate, and expertise in future legislative sessions regarding the proposed project.

Call for all Idaho branches and agencies to work in unison to protect the Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake watershed areas from marginalization, contamination, disruption, or impact from the smelter operation.