Light on the Controversial Grassy Mountain Coal Project
Coal mining in Grassy Mountain receives approval from Alberta regulatory body
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has given the green light to Northback Holdings Corporation's coal exploration project, nestled in the Crowsnest Pass, a scenic region on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This endeavor, dubbed Grassy Mountain, is designed to delve deeper into the coal deposits of the area, facilitated by three permits granted by the AER, emphasizing that these permits solely serve exploratory purposes and are not linked to the development or operation of a coal mine.
Conditions and Commitments
- Waste Management: Northback will need to handle drilling waste, such as drill fluids and cuttings, ensuring their disposal satisfies the AER's requirements.
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan: Before exploration operations commence, Northback must share a project-specific erosion and sediment control plan with the AER.
- Weed Management: The exploration program should align with Northback's integrated weed management plan.
- Environmental Mitigation: Environmental mitigation measures should adhere to the recommendations in the company's pre-disturbance site assessment.
- Alberta Forestry and Parks Conditions: Northback must comply with the conditions required by Alberta Forestry and Parks for Crown land reservations in the area.
In addition, Northback has made commitments to the Piikani Nation, including data sharing, reinstating Piikani members as "cultural and environmental monitors," and providing the nation with information from Northback's trail cameras located near the project sites upon request.
Economic Benefits and Environmental Concerns
While the project could potentially bring economic advantages through future mining operations, there are valid concerns raised by local residents and environmental groups regarding its potential impact on the environment. Residents have expressed worries about the project's potential detrimental effects on the local ecosystem and water resources. They argue that these concerns stem from previous project rejections and public hearings that highlighted similar issues.
Water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone areas, is also a significant concern, as farmers worry about water diversion.
A Look Back and Ahead
The project was initially rejected in 2021 due to concerns about its environmental impact on fish and water quality. However, it was revived after being granted exemption from Alberta's ban on open-pit coal mines, as Northback's application was considered an "advanced" proposal.
The exploration phase of the project is subject to various conditions. Compliance with these conditions is mandatory, as failure to do so could lead to enforcement action by the AER.
Stay informed, follow the latest updates on this sensitive issue, and download our News App for breaking news alerts at your fingertips. The full decision of the AER can be found on their official website.
Contributions from our News Calgary correspondent Tyson Fedor
Note: The project's approval has sparked heated debates among residents in the area, with approximately 150 protesters gathering at the AER's Calgary office to voice concerns around the three proposals. The project may involve drilling more than 150 meters underground, diverting water from a nearby end pit lake owned by Northback, and could potentially have negative effects on local wildlife and water resources.
The Grassy Mountain coal project, approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator, could bring potential economic benefits but has raised environmental concerns among local residents and groups, who fear its impact on the local ecosystem, water resources, and wildlife. Environmental mitigation measures, waste management, and erosion and sediment control are among the conditions Northback must adhere to, as failure to comply could lead to enforcement action. The project's approval has sparked debates, with some expressing worries about water diversion and its potential detrimental effects.
