A coal company near Grande Cache has been fined $9,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for releasing 1.1 million litres of mine wastewater into the Smoky River.
An NDP critic, however, says this penalty was insufficient, and the UCP government’s inaction on environmental protections and enforcing existing regulations puts Alberta’s communities and ecosystems at risk.
“This UCP government has fostered a regulatory environment where protecting our natural resources is not a priority,” said Sarah Elmeligi, NDP shadow minister for Environment and Protected Areas, in a statement. “The AER’s $9,000 fine sends a message that the province is not serious about safeguarding our rivers, lakes and wildlife.”
The release took place on March 4, 2023, and lasted roughly 17 hours. By the time it was contained, around 9,000 kilograms of coal fines were released into the river, potentially posing a risk to aquatic life.
The AER was not notified until over seven hours after the release.
According to the AER’s decision, CST Coal Canada argued that it could not have foreseen the frozen decant window, which contributed to the overflow, but the AER response was the company should have had procedures in place for various scenarios. It also highlighted the lack of trained staff and ice removal equipment on standby.
Under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the AER issued the fine to CST for the release itself and for failing to immediately report the contravention.
CST did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In December, the company was issued a $22,000 fine for a separate mine wastewater spill that occurred on Jan. 2, 2023. The mine has also dealt with rock-wall instabilities.
Elmeligi argued Albertans needed proper enforcement and penalties for pollution to protect their resources and restore trust in the regulatory system.
“With the UCP selling out the Eastern Slopes for coal mining, this sets a troubling precedent,” Elmeligi said. “It sends a message to industry that it can continue to pollute without facing real consequences, undermining the long-term health of our province.”
“Albertans deserve better – they deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being and the environment they love,” she added.
