The B.C. government has updated the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan for the first time since 2014.
Provincial officials said the changes will improve how B.C. manages the effects of mining on water quality.
The updated plan includes clear expectations for managing and improving water quality in the region.
The full amended plan can be found here.
Another amendment is planned for the future, which will be a review of the selenium water-quality target for the Koocanusa Reservoir.
The City of Fernie has been looking for a new secondary water source due to selenium levels in the James White Wells.
The search has been ongoing. One site was tested but was not suitable, so the city is looking at some other options.
“We have identified two other potential sites: one near the high school and the other in Ridgemont,” said Mayor Nic Milligan.
“We’re going to do more exploratory drilling to prove up those sources.”
Elk Valley Resources has invested more than $1.5 billion since 2014 and four more water-treatment facilities are being built.
The plan is to double the water-treatment capacity by the end of 2027.
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