The Canadian federal government intends to pursue an environmental review of the Cline Mine, which could delay development by three years, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., announced Friday.

According to a press release from Baucus, the senator met with Canada's ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, "who confirmed for the senator that the Canadian government plans to initiate a federal-level environmental review of the Cline Mining Company's proposal to mine coal near the headwaters of the North Fork Flathead River, which runs into Flathead Lake in Montana."

Such a review could delay the proposal for up to three years, Baucus said.

"It's a significant development," Baucus said, "because it shows that our concerns are reaching the highest levels in the Canadian government. The fact of the matter is this mine will have devastating consequences to Montana water quality and our outdoor heritage. I get a strong sense that officials in Canada are starting to get the message."

Up until now, the British Columbia provincial government has overseen an environmental review for the mine. The province and the Cline Mining Corp. recently finished a public comment period on developing "terms of reference" - the conditions that the mining company must meet in carrying out its own environmental assessment the project. The province did allow Montana to provide input on development of the terms of reference.

But not to the satisfaction of Montana officials, including Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Baucus.

Under Canadian law, Baucus said, the federal government also can request that a federal level environmental assessment be conducted.

According to Baucus, the Department of Fisheries in Ottawa will request an assessment by Environment Canada, the country's equivalent of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The assessment would be conducted once the province completes its process.

"We're not out of the woods yet," Baucus said. "But this clearly is a strong indication that the pressure we're bringing to bear is starting to work. Now we'll keep the heat on and continue to fight for the Flathead."

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at [email protected]