Alberta coal mines gravely threaten fish, study shows

[Redator]

Leachings from historic coal mines in southwest Alberta could poison and even kill off downstream fish populations, according to a new scientific study released as a Calgary-based explorer seeks to drill for coal in the region. 

The Alberta government scientific study, published on May 27, points to the element selenium, which is released from weathered rock discarded from mountaintop coal mines and can be poisonous when it accumulates in fish.

Runoff from Crowsnest Pass, about 240 km south of Calgary, and where about 30 million tonnes of coal was mined by several companies from 1900 to 1968, enters the Crowsnest River watershed. Runoff from the old Tent Mountain coal mine flows into Crowsnest Lake.

Fish recovery threats

The non-peer reviewed study found that lake and its outlet, the Crowsnest River, are “highly stressed aquatic ecosystems.”

“Any new development of coal mining along the eastern slopes may well push the Crowsnest fishery beyond recovery,” scientists said in the study. “Complete reproductive failure and even population collapse can occur if [selenium] exposure is prolonged and high enough.”

Its release came shortly after the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) approved coal drilling exploration applications by Northback Holdings, a subsidiary of Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting. The company’s program focuses on its Grassy Mountain project in the Crowsnest Pass region.

Longstanding selenium concerns

The Grassy Mountain area hosted at least four coal mines in the past, the last of which closed in 1983. The report noted that in 2021 the federal government rejected on environmental grounds Northback predecessor company Benga Mining’s application to build an open-pit coal mine in the area. 

“The potential for elevated selenium pollution was paramount in this decision, and any new selenium inputs would be additive to existing inputs from the legacy coal mines,” the report said.

The AER noted in its May 15 decision that Northback’s water source for its exploration program isn’t connected with any other natural water bodies, though there could be runoff during high flow events.

‘Very low risk’

Analysis of water samples from that source showed selenium concentrations below the guidelines for aquatic life protection, the AER said, concluding that “the risk of selenium contamination of nearby waterways because of the exploration program appears to be very low.”

However, the AER said Northback must comply with a directive on drilling waste management that is to “address acceptable selenium concentrations.”

Northback’s Grassy Mountain project received a boost last November after a non-binding vote showed strong local support for the project, with almost 72% of voters in the municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Alta., endorsing a restart of the Grassy Mountain mine.

But the project also has its opponents. The Municipal District of Ranchland, where Grassy Mountain is located, has consistently opposed the project and believes any economic benefits from the exploration program are outweighed by environmental risks.

The Northern Miner has requested further comment from Northback, the AER and Ranchland.