2022-09 COAL MINING EFFLUENT
Whereas #1
Environment and Climate Change Canada proposed new regulations for coal mine effluent in 2020; and
Whereas #2
Concerns were raised by industry and the provinces over the achievability of the new mine limits; and
Whereas #3
Environmental regulations need to be based on scientific thresholds for ecosystem health, regardless of impacts to the bottom line of industry; and
Whereas #4
The proposed regulations released in 2022 now double the limits for suspended solids and selenium, do not require monitoring, the cumulative impacts of multiple mines discharging into a single receiving watershed, apply to only new mines and don't come into effect until 2027; and
Whereas #5
The release of even limited concentrations of effluent increases risk to fish, fish habitat, riparian ecosystem health and downstream uses by human communities; therefore, be it
Resolved #1
That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that coal mine effluent be managed in a way that best protects the environment; and be it further
Resolved #2
That NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
a) Continue to prohibit the deposit of coal mining effluent indefinitely until industry can ensure that the water quality from coal mines is equal to or greater than the receiving watershed
b) Ensure that thresholds are science-based so that water quality and ecosystem health are protected
c) Apply revised limits of effluent to all mines whether currently operating or under development
d) Consider both the downstream and cumulative effects of the proposed regulations
e) Change mining practices to avoid selenium pollution in the first place.