FRIDAY
MARCH 22, 2013
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Vol. 61, Issue 57
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Groups call for ban on new Elk Valley coal mining
U.S. report shows high levels of selenium in Elk River; Province, Teck considering water diversion and treatment strategies BARRY COULTER
A U.S. study released earlier this month has found that high levels of selenium have leached into the Elk River from the region’s open pit coal mines.
An environmental group coalition is as a result calling for a moratorium on new coal mining in the Elk Valley. Dr. Ric Hauer of the Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana
issued a March 2 study comparing water quality in the Elk and neighbouring Flathead River Basins. Commissioned by Glacier National Park, the study found nitrogen levels at 1,000 times the
background rate, sulphate levels at 40-50 times the background rate, and selenium levels at 7-10 times background rate. A press release from the Sierra Club of B.C. said the
researchers tested above and below mines “and used the pristine water quality of the nearby Flathead River to determine background levels and ascertain what aquatic life would normally be pres-
ent in the Elk River were it not so polluted.” “The science is clear: selenium from the mines has polluted the river to levels known to be dangerous to fish,” said John Bergenske, Executive Director of the East Kootenay environmental group Wildsight. “The selenium bio-accumulates and could lead to fish population collapse because it affects reproductive organs in fish. Eating them could also affect human health.”
“The science is clear: selenium from the mines has polluted the river to levels known to be dangerous to fish.” John Bergenske Wildsight
“We understand the concerns of the Americans, and we need to take a valleywide approach to this problem.” Terry Lake BC Minister of Environment
would have a meaningful, positive influence on agriculture and the agricultural economy of the East Kootenay,” said Struthers.
“There should be a moratorium on new coal mining in the Elk until the far-reaching impacts of existing mines are addressed,” said Sarah Cox, Interim Executive Director for Sierra Club BC. “Projects like the Line Creek coal mine expansion and proposed Bingay coal mine would only increase toxic pollution in the Elk. We need to take a big step back and look at how this area is managed as a whole.” “The high concentrations of sulphates and selenium in waters downstream of coal mines represent a significant threat to the ecological integrity of these streams and rivers,” the U.S. report said.
See SURVEY , Page 4
See REPORT , Page 4
PHOTO COURTESY FORT STEELE HERITAGE TOWN
The Fort Steele Spring Camp was held this week, Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22. The children have taken part in learning what happens at Fort Steele on a daily basis. They’ve been learning how to cook, bake, blacksmith, livestock duties, carpentry work (where they have made their own bird houses), and now they are experts in their sewing techniques thanks to the dress shop ladies. Local artist Marilyn Oliver came out to guide the children with some small projects. Their week ended with some acting in the Wildhorse Theatre. These are just some of the activities the children have been taking part in. Fort Steele has one-day Pro-D camps coming up in April and May, so call for more information at 250-417-6000.
Survey seeks direction for local agriculture
Complete a survey online to influence the first stages of the EK Agricultural Plan before March 31 SALLY MACDONALD Townsman Staff
Agricultural producers, consumers, retailers and suppliers can take part in surveys for the East Kootenay Agricultural Plan.
Dave Struthers, consultant for the agricultural plan, gave Cranbrook city council a run-down of the broad process at the Monday, March 18 meeting. “The purpose of the plan
here in the East Kootenay is really focused on action oriented, practical recommendations that are things the regional district can feasibly implement,” said Struthers. “It has some pie-in-the-sky
elements, but the real focus of it is to try and come up with some practical things that are within the purview of the regional district – policies, regulations, initiatives they could undertake that