Understanding the impact of coal spoils on the hydrology of alpine watersheds, Elk Valley, British Columbia

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Coal mining operations in the Elk Valley, British Columbia, have resulted in elevated concentrations of selenium in surface waters and streams. Teck Coal, the operator of these mines, commissioned an independent advisory panel to forge a strategic plan for sustainable selenium management. This program will address part of the panel's recommendation by evaluating the impact of mountain top mining/valley fill (MTM/VF) activities on the hydrology of headwater catchments. A paired watershed approach will be used where an impacted catchment (West Line Creek - WLC) will be compared to a reference catchment (Dry Creek - DC). Project objectives are to assess the impact of MTM/VF mining on water balances, runoff pathways and timing. A secondary objective is to use a numerical model to better understand the impact and interaction of coal spoils on headwater catchments. Information from this research will help understand the role of coal spoils on watershed hydrology, providing a direct link to the mechanisms of selenium release from impacted catchments. Information from this research will allow Teck Coal to more confidently understand the hydrology of MTM/VF catchments and make design choices for optimizing future activities to reduce the flux of selenium to Elk Valley streams. It will also have broader relevance to the mining industry that practice MTM/VF.