Recent articles in the Globe & Mail newspaper have generated discussion on the topic of selenium and the Elk Valley. I wanted to share with your readers and the community Teck’s response to the Globe & Mail on this important issue:

I was disappointed to read Mark Hume’s October 20th article on selenium in the Elk Valley, in which he claims this important issue is not being addressed, while ignoring the groundbreaking international effort underway to do exactly that.

As Mr. Hume is aware, Teck, as the operator of five steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley, has been working in cooperation with provincial and federal regulators, including Environment Canada, as well as First Nations, communities, governments in the U.S. and independent scientific experts to develop an Elk Valley Water Quality Plan (Plan) that will set out the approach to addressing selenium levels within the region. This is the first time in Canada that such a broad a range of stakeholders has been brought together to develop a watershed-based approach to protect water quality on this scale.

The article fails to credit the involvement of local residents in the Elk Valley who attended 11 open houses and meetings to provide their input into the development of the Plan. Or the technical experts from Canada and the U.S., who held over 200 hours of meetings during the same period to provide science-based feedback on every aspect of the Plan’s development. Or the research being done in cooperation with universities in Canada and the U.S. to develop new and better approaches to managing selenium.

Mr. Hume also repeats comments that researcher Dennis Lemly made previously about a situation in Idaho. In doing so, Mr. Hume draws an irresponsible parallel between the Elk Valley and Idaho not supported by facts.

Planned water treatment plants at Teck’s Elk Valley mines

In addition, Mr. Hume does not mention the significant work that has already been done, and will continue under the guidance of the Plan. To date, Teck has constructed water management infrastructure, including our $100 million full-scale water treatment facility at our Line Creek Operations. Achieving the objectives of the Plan will require significant further investment on the part of Teck, including construction of additional water treatment facilities, ongoing research into water management technology and techniques, and extensive aquatic monitoring. We anticipate spending approximately $600 million over a five year period on protecting water quality as we implement the Plan.

Line Creek plant will use a biological treatment process

To suggest that this unprecedented amount of engagement, consultation, research and investment somehow equates to this issue being “ignored” is not only wrong, it is disrespectful of the work of numerous stakeholders, employees and communities who are focused on taking the steps necessary to protect the ecosystem and supporting continued, sustainable mining in the region.

Sincerely,

Marcia Smith
Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs
Teck