Neudorf responds to concerns around coal mining

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“I appreciate you honestly sharing your thoughts with me and I know the environment and protection of our natural spaces is a very important issue to many Albertans, which is why I want to be very clear about what the recent policy updates actually represent,” Neudorf stated.

The MLA’s statement focused on four main issues.

RESCINDING THE 1976 COAL POLICY

Neudorf said the nearly 50-year-old piece of legislation “has not been tossed out”, but it has “been replaced by newer and more stringent legislation such as the Environmental Enhancement Act and the Eastern Slopes Policy”.

He said the UCP government has added integrated resource plans, as well as regional and sub-regional plans.

“The Grassy Mountain project is on lands previously designated as category 4 – which fully allowed for coal development,” he stated.

“Land previously under categories 2 and 3 must now be reviewed under the Alberta Energy Regulator process on a case-by-case basis with significantly increased land reclamation requirements. Further, category 1 lands remain fully protected from any form of commercialization, industry or resource development.”

GRASSY MOUNTAIN COAL MINE

This project has been under review since 2015 by a joint panel of the Alberta Energy Regulator and the Federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Neudorf noted that the panel has had public hearings on Grassy Mountain and will report to the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada for a decision. He said if the minister decides the project is likely to cause adverse environmental effects, the matter is referred to the Federal Cabinet.

RELATED: Opponents to Grassy Mountain coal project voice their concerns

“The Government of Alberta has no authority on this matter, which is why the NDP did not interfere in the process and also why our UCP government hasn’t either,” Neudorf stated.

“That being said, the rescindment of the 1976 Coal Policy does not impact or short-circuit the review that Grassy Mountain was already undergoing almost six years prior to this change.”

LAND LEASES

Neudorf explained that obtaining a coal lease does not permit exploration or development. Rather, it gives a proponent coal rights on that parcel of land, which they can only produce after and if they get all requisite regulatory approvals.

“Additional permits are required in order to build access roads or drill exploratory holes which should be reclaimed at the end of the project and I will advocate for this to be looked at more closely.”

SELENIUM

On the subject of the Grassy Mountain coal project, a concern that’s been brought up by Albertans revolves around the impact the project could have on local water quality, particularly when it comes to selenium pollution.

“Even though mining isn’t pretty and reclamation actions still have a way to go, it is possible to recover and reclaim,” Neudorf said.

“Clean water is crucial for fish and wildlife, farmers and ranchers, irrigation and industry, not to mention as a drinking source for towns and communities downstream. Technology has come a long way and some key measures and requirements are already in place. However, I think we need to do more.”

RELATED: Mayor Spearman issuing letter of concern over water quality from Grassy Mountain project

“I am aware of an Albertan company that has done some incredibly innovative work with grapheme – which is extremely effective at removing selenium from water – but as is common with such technology, it requires financing to fully commercialize and implement,” the Lethbridge-East MLA said.

“Whether funds are invested publicly or privately, the safety and protecting of our environment should be the highest priority.”

Neudorf said although he supports responsible development of natural resources, he will advocate for fuller measures on land reclamation, as well as “the highest levels in water purification and protection standards”.

“I have also heard very clearly that people in Lethbridge are not interested in further coal mining on the eastern slopes and want their water protected – particularly for our agricultural and food corridor – and I will represent that position in Legislature,” he stated.

“As a note in closing, I am working hard to progress some Lethbridge-based innovative thinking on mini-nuclear power generation. This is clean, safe, technologically advanced and I believe, could be a strong substantive option for our energy future.”

Neudorf’s statement in full is available here.

by Justin Goulet

Neudorf responds to concerns around coal mining

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