The B.C. government has begun the process of updating the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to include modern ecological science and a new policy foundation.
The update will include two amendments meant to change how the province manages the effects of mining on local waterways.
“We know the Elk Valley is important to many communities, creatures and careers, and concerns about water quality are long-standing,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
“A strong management plan is essential to protect our environment, fish and people who live in the region. It’s important that we undertake this collaborative process to update the plan.”
The first amendment will provide clear guidelines on decision-making for the mining industry in the Elk Valley.
This will include clarification on how the plan works alongside permits, how the B.C. Government responds to new information, and how the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan and water-quality targets apply to operations discharging into local watersheds.
This will be developed over a 12-month period, involving consultation with partners, interested parties and industry such as Teck’s steelmaking coal business, now under Elk Valley Resources.
“We look forward to building on our existing work to support continued sustainable mining in the Elk Valley region by collaborating with the government, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders,” said Elk Valley Resources CEO Mike Carrucan.
The second change will review scientific information to update selenium water-quality targets for the Canadian side of the Koocanusa Reservoir.
“YaqÌ“it Ê”a·knuqⱡi’it First Nation is very pleased to be partnering with B.C. on the Area-Based Management Plan for Ê”akanuxunik’ Ê”amakÊ”is,” said YaqÌ“it Ê”a·knuqⱡi ‘it (Tobacco Plains Band) NasuÊ”kin (Chief) Heidi Gravelle.
“Improving the water quality in our territory is our highest priority as a First Nation and we look forward to working together with B.C. and the other Ktunaxa First Nation governments on this important stewardship initiative.”
B.C. officials said the changes will be outlined over a 12-month preparation period and developed over 15 months, with more consultation involved.
The B.C. government said these updates will help improve water quality in the Elk Valley for residents and the environment.
“The Elk River and Elk Valley watershed are extremely important to the health and well-being of our community and all the life and activity they support,” said Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan.
“Our community supports a comprehensive management plan based on current science and Indigenous knowledge. A healthy river system and access to clean, safe water is crucial to the future of the Elk Valley and the many people who live here and visit the region.”
The process will involve collaboration and consensus with Ktunaxa First Nations and the B.C. Government said it has already started working with the Nation on this update.
“The Ktunaxa were involved in the development of the original Area-Based Management Plan. In the decade since, we’ve observed several deficiencies and ongoing or increasing impacts on the water and Ê”a·kxamÌ“is qÌ“api qapsin (all living things) within the Fording, Elk and Kootenay watersheds,” said Ê”aqÌ“am council member Jason Andrew.
“B.C. has now committed to amend the plan, and we are optimistic that updates can enhance efforts to protect these vital resources.”
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