Coal Mining in the Elk Valley
Coal mining is one of British Columbia's largest revenue sources, but the hidden costs are much higher than we think. (Wildsight May 2, 2022)
In my archives I’m finding info from several years ago that is still, if not more, pertinent than before. I offer it to provide a bit of a refresher on what we’re dealing with. This is mainly referring to the Elk Valley in BC but is a strong statement of what we, in Alberta, DO NOT want to repeat. If nothing else, just scroll down to see the graph on Selenium levels.
Excerpts:
Despite the direct, short-term, economic benefits coal mining has for the Province and local communities, environmental impacts and human health risks are critical issues that must be understood for our communities to grasp the true cost of coal mines.
The deterioration in water quality from increased selenium concentrations poses two significant risks in the Elk Valley and the broader Kootenay/Kootenai Watershed (Elk River, Lake Koocanusa, Kootenay/Kootenai River) – the risk it poses to aquatic life, and the risk it poses to human health.