Study says Canadian coal mines put unparalleled pollution in Montana-bound waters

The Impact of Coal Mining on Water Quality in Elk River and Kootenai Watershed

The concentrations of selenium and nitrate entering the Elk River and Northwest Montana’s Kootenai watershed as a result of coal-mining operations in British Columbia are likely without measured precedent, according to a new study authored by U.S. Geological Survey scientists.

Unprecedented Increase in Selenium and Nitrate Concentrations

The mining-related growth of selenium, nitrate, and sulfate concentrations in the Elk River are among the largest documented increases in the primary literature, the researchers write. Lead study author and USGS researcher Meryl Storb said her team perused all of the studies they could find on mining and solutes published in the past 40 years but couldn’t find anything even close to matching the trendlines in British Columbia’s Elk River, where selenium concentrations have grown sixfold and nitrate concentrations have grown by nearly 800% since 1979.

The percent increase in the concentration of nitrate and selenium are some of the largest we know exist based off peer-reviewed scientific publications, Storb said, adding that they reviewed studies conducted on mines in Appalachia, southern Idaho, and China.

Selenium’s Impact on Water Quality

Selenium has been a source of particular concern in the Elk and Kootenai watersheds because it can cause reproductive failure in fish and lead to spinal, gill, and facial deformities. The element is an essential nutrient in small quantities but is toxic to egg-laying species including fish and waterfowl in excess.

Exceedance of Water Quality Standards

The study, published in the scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology on Nov. 3, found that both Canada’s selenium water quality standard of 2.0 micrograms per liter and Montana’s more stringent site-specific standard of 0.8 micrograms per liter are regularly exceeded on both sides of the border. Selenium concentrations in the U.S. portion of Lake Koocanusa have not met the 0.8 micrograms standard for that waterbody since July 2020.

Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

The study compared two tributaries of Lake Koocanusa, the Elk River and the Kootenay River, to determine the influence of coal mining on selenium and nitrate concentrations. The Elk River, profoundly impacted by mountaintop removal coal mining, has experienced dramatic increases in selenium concentrations despite the mines making up just 3% of the Elk River basin’s total drainage area. The overall concentration of nitrate in the Elk River has increased nearly ninefold over the past 43 years, contributing to algal blooms and threatening aquatic insects and fish.

Efforts to Address Water Quality Issues

Teck Resources, the operator of the four largest coal mines in the Elk River Valley, is investing more than $1.4 billion in water treatment technology to remove selenium from surface waters before it flows downstream. However, selenium concentrations in the Elk River and Lake Koocanusa continue to rise. The expansion of mining operations and treatment capacity limits are likely contributing to this dynamic.

Switzerland-based commodities company Glencore announced plans to purchase Teck’s coal-mining operation for nearly $7 billion. The execution of the deal is pending approval by Canadian regulators.

Call for International Joint Commission Investigation

A meeting between eight governments impacted by transboundary coal-mining pollution was held in Cranbrook, British Columbia, at the request of the Ktunaxa Nation Council. The council has advocated for an investigation into mining pollution by the International Joint Commission (IJC), which could recommend solutions to mitigate pollution. U.S. Senator Jon Tester has urged U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to proceed with a unilateral IJC referral if Canada refuses to come to the table.

Montana’s clean water is too important to sit idly by while Canada fails to uphold its end of the agreement, Tester wrote, citing concerns related to aquatic ecosystems and Montana’s outdoor recreation economy. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has expressed opposition to an IJC referral, citing ongoing efforts to develop and implement selenium standards for Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai watershed.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the impact of coal-mining operations on water quality, specifically the concentrations of selenium and nitrate in the Elk River and Kootenai watershed. These issues are directly related to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Additionally, the increase in selenium concentrations and its negative effects on fish populations and aquatic ecosystems connect to SDG 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The impact on land ecosystems is also mentioned, aligning with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.
• Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

The article highlights the pollution of waterways due to coal-mining operations, specifically the increase in selenium and nitrate concentrations. This aligns with Target 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution. The impact on the Elk River and Kootenai watershed also connects to Target 14.1, which focuses on preventing and reducing marine pollution. Furthermore, the negative effects on fish populations and ecosystems relate to Target 15.1, which aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

The article mentions the concentrations of selenium and nitrate in the Elk River and Kootenai watershed, indicating the need to measure water quality. This aligns with Indicator 6.3.2, which measures the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. The impact on marine ecosystems and the potential for algal blooms connect to Indicator 14.1.1, which measures the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density. Additionally, the article mentions the negative effects on land ecosystems, suggesting the need to measure forest area as a proportion of total land area (Indicator 15.1.1).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: ktvq.com

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