Mining association object to federal coal effluent rules

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Canada’s mining industry is resisting proposed tougher federal coal effluent standards. The draft regulations aren’t practical and arent supported by science, they claim.

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Pierre Gratton of Canada’s Mining Association stated that there is no way to reach those limits. The association sent a March 2 letter to Environment Canada expressing its concern.

(Environment Canada), has not presented a reason to go beyond the limits that have already been agreed to.

In response to industry requests, the federal government has been trying since 2017 to create effluent rules that will apply to coal.

Current regulations for coal mines are set by the Fisheries Act. This Act prohibits any contaminants from entering any waterway. Industry wanted specific rules that would address the specific concerns associated with coal mining. Saskatchewan has three active coal mines, one in Estevan/Bienfait and one in Coronach.

After four rounds consultations, the government released a revised discussion document on the regulations in Jan. This month, the comment period was closed.

The document limits the amount of three contaminants that can be discharged from the effluent tailpipe: suspended solids (nitrate), selenium, and suspended solids (suspended solids). This element is known to cause damage to reproduction in fish. Industry believes that the proposed limits of nitrates, and selenium, which have been increased from the previous version are still too strict.

Selenium, for instance, would be limited to a reading of 10 micrograms/litre in effluents from both new and established mines.

(Environment Canada), proposes in-stream and end-of-pipe limits for selenium. This is simply not possible using current, proven technology, according to the letter.

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This is not a cost issue. The technology is not available to achieve what Environment Canada has proposed.

Gratton claimed that the proposed limits undermined discussions in British Columbias Elk Valley. There, a wide range stakeholders have already developed a management strategy for a selenium issue caused by decades worth of coal mining.

He stated that they propose lower limits than the ones that have been established.

Charles Dumaresq is the head of science and environment management for the mining associations. He stated that even for new mines, it would be difficult achieving the discussion documents goal.

They push the boundaries of technology to the limit, even at those limits.

The association also pointed out that the suggested limits were based on general guidelines to protect aquatic ecosystems and not on specific research on the behaviour selenium in watersheds such as the Elk Valley’s.

Gratton stated that Environment Canada has not been able to justify the lower level.

The association supports many of the proposals in the effluent.

Dumaresq stated that environmental monitoring is an important component of what (Environment Canada). It provides in-stream evidence that companies are doing better and are having problems. It is supported by us.

Environmental groups have criticised the industry’s resistance to the discussion paper.

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They argue that tighter restrictions are justified given the uncertainty of how selenium flows through streams and rivers. They argue that regulations should consider the environment first and not the capabilities or industry.

John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair for Water Resources and Climate Change at The University of Saskatchewan, estimates that 99 percent of the South Saskatchewan River’s flow originates in Alberta.

There is a chance that substances like selenium could end-up in water bodies such as Lake Diefenbaker. The province has announced a $4 million irrigation project.

They also criticize it for focusing on what comes out the pipe rather than on the effects of effluent.

Gratton said that the discussion document was a good start but still needs work.

They have the idea of a system that can work. There are some very important issues that need to be addressed.

Environment Canada plans to extend the 60-day comment period until the end the year. The final version of regulations is scheduled for 2023.

Saskatoon Star Phoenix files

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