Controversy over the Crowsnest Pass coal mining project continues Achi-News

Northback Holdings’ Grassy Mountain coal mining project has been a controversial topic in Alberta for years. One side argues that it would provide a much-needed economic boost in the area, while others fear it would do irreparable damage to the Oldman watershed.

Rina Blacklaws, spokeswoman for Northback Holdings, says the project would be different from previous legacy mining projects.

“The way mining has been done in the past is not the way mining will be done today,” Blacklaws said. “We know better. We can effectively manage selenium through a number of different ways, including wetlands, saturated recharge zones, and active water treatment plants.”

But some landowners in southern Alberta are suspicious of these promises, and do not want their land to be touched.

Corb Lund, a well-known local musician, says he was brought into the “coal battle” by a generation of runaway families, including his own, who felt threatened by the potential loss of their property to mining. open ponds and polluted water.

“I guarantee if we have open pit mines in Crowsnest Pass, we will pollute and contaminate the Oldman River,” Lund said.

“It’s a fact and the coal companies will tell you it’s not and they’re lying.”

Laura Laing and John Smith own Plateau Cattle Company, located in the sprawling pastures west of Nanton. The couple have been fighting hard against coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rockies for five years. Laing says the fight has been a full-time job.

“There’s a proud past in the coal industry in Alberta, but it’s not in our future,” Laing said. “Existing coal mines should be allowed to retire gracefully, but no new coal development on the eastern slopes.

“We need to protect the eastern slopes, and the resources they provide, namely water, vegetation, native grasslands, tourism, guiding, clothing, and recreation. You can have all those things, but you can’t have all those things and coal.”

Blacklaws says whether Northback Holdings believes that the voice of all Albertans is important on this project, specifically those who live within the Municipality of Bwlch Crowsnest, who will vote on the project next month.

“We believe it’s important to nourish the soil we go into,” Blacklaws said. “We are actively involved in the community, and we think it’s important for the people of Crowsnest Pass to have their say.”

In contrast, Laing and Smith believe an Alberta-wide vote is needed.

“Everyone in Alberta has a say in this, not just people who live within a few kilometers of the coal prospecting,” said Laing. “This is Alberta water we’re talking about. This is our main resource, we need to protect it, and that’s what we’re here to do.”

“[Crowsnest Pass residents] can vote on all they want, but they’re not the only ones using that water,” said Smith. “There are many thousands of people downstream of them who use that water as well.”

The first of two public hearings on the project will be held in Blairmore on December 3 and 4. Crowsnest Pass will vote on the project on November 25.

& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.