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By The Canadian Press

Peer-Reviewed Study

New government study says province’s regulations for cleaning up old coal mines failing to keep aquatic ecosystems free of contaminants

Aug 1, 2025 | 10:08 AM

A new study by Alberta government scientists says the province’s regulations for cleaning up old coal mines are failing to keep aquatic ecosystems free of contaminants.

The peer-reviewed study looks into contaminant levels in water near three old coal mines east of Jasper National Park.

It’s findings say high levels of substances can have a devastating impact.

One of the authors, a former government scientist in charge of environmental monitoring, says the paper speaks to what he calls regulatory inaction.

The three other authors are all currently employed by the province.

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They found high selenium levels in locations downstream from the mines.

Selenium is known to cause deformities in fish and can impair their ability to reproduce.

The study also found elevated levels of other pollutants in the water, when compared to the same parts of the river that are upstream from the mines.

The Alberta government says it has shared the study with the energy regulator, and it’s one of the reasons the province is no longer allowing open-pit mines.

Alberta’s energy regulator says it’s reviewing the study.

(The Canadian Press)