VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia is updating the area-based management plan in the Elk Valley region of the province to address how mining effects water quality.
The changes were announced in response to concerns over mining related discharges in the Elk Valley, a release said.
An Elk Valley area-based management plan, called the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, has been in place for the region since 2014.
“We know the Elk Valley is important to many communities, creatures and careers, and concerns about water quality are long-standing. 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,” said B.C. Minister of the Environment and Climate Change George Heyman in a statement.
The first amendment to the plan will provide a framework for decision-making about mining in the Elk Valley, the release said, and changes will clarify how the plan works alongside permits, how B.C. will respond to new information and how the area-based management plan and water-quality targets apply to all operations discharging into the Elk Valley.
The second amendment will review new scientific information to update the selenium water-quality target for the Canadian portion of Koocanusa Reservoir and the changes will be outlined over a 12-month preparation period and then developed over 15 months that will also involve consultation, the release said.
B.C. will collaborate with Ktunaxa First Nations in the planning process for these amendments.
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