Coal Mines, Motorized Recreation, and Water Allocation in the Oldman Headwaters: A Three-Part Blog Series
Introduction
Right now, the headwaters of the Rocky Mountains are a hotbed of controversy. The OWC is often asked about our position on polarizing topics as they are debated, and as decisions made by the federal and provincial government potentially have significant long-term impact to residents of the watershed. There are currently three main topics at the forefront of discussion: 1) coal mines, 2) motorized recreation, and 3) water allocation. Each topic is complex and affects residents—and the watershed itself—in unique ways. We will cover each topic, share the latest news and information, and outline OWC’s position in a three-part headwaters blog series. This blog is a primer for those topics and outline about what to watch for as we move into 2021.
Our Unique Role
OWC is unique in the way that we operate: we are a forum for all voices in the Oldman watershed. Our role is to bring folks together from all sectors to discuss the tough issues, foster discussion, and build consensus around priorities and solutions. While it sounds straightforward, building consensus and finding common ground can be tricky at the best of times—especially when polarizing topics are on the table. The decisions we make now as a province and country will impact the watershed and all of the people who live, work, and play in it for many years to come.
Each topic is nuanced and complex; in this blog series we will explore how OWC is navigating three challenging topics. A dedicated blog for each topic is slated for the early months of the new year
Photo by Jon Martin, C 2020.
Coal Mines
The Government of Alberta is focused on economic development and is encouraging coal mining along the Eastern Slopes to help reach its goals. At the time of writing, one coal mine proposed in the Oldman watershed has reached the Environmental Impact Assessment stage. This project is proposed and owned by Benga Mining Limited. The OWC reviewed Benga Mining’s Environmental Impact Assessment for the Grassy Mountain Coal Project and participated in the federal and provincial Joint Panel Review process which wrapped up in December 2020. A decision from the federal government is expected in September 2021.
There are several more companies actively exploring and purchasing coal leases too. OWC shared initial information in July 2020 in our blog, Coal Mining in the Oldman Watershed. The possibility of having multiple coal mines north of the Castle Parks along the headwaters of the Oldman watershed raises new questions and concerns. While the region has a history of coal mining, the mines have not been active for many years. The development of multiple new open pit mines would yield a substantial change for a lot of people who live in the Oldman watershed.
In the blog series, we will discuss what those changes would look like and what OWC is recommending to protect the health of the watershed.
Motorized Recreation
The Government of Alberta-approved management plans for the Castle, Livingstone and Porcupine Hills currently limit motorized access for recreation and hunting to certain designated trails. We have heard from our members and watershed residents that motorized users are not happy with the restrictions. The government is currently consulting to see if increased access and additional trails can be accommodated. The Provincial Government is working with a diversity of stakeholders, including the OWC, on a Recreation Advisory Group to discuss the topic, work towards consensus, and make recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Parks, Jason Nixon, in early 2021.
In this blog series, we will share our take on the potential changes and how they align with OWC’s Headwaters Action Plan that was agreed to by the majority of, but not all, stakeholders.
Photo by Jon Martin, C 2020.
Water Allocation
Water is an incredibly valuable resource around the world: people need it to drink, and industry requires it to run their operations. Subsequently, industry-based economic development increases the demand for water. The Government of Alberta is proposing to make changes to the Oldman River Basin Water Allocation Order to support economic development upstream of the Oldman dam and reservoir. The current Order puts limits on how much water each sector can access, with industrial development allocated the least amount. The changes would remove the sector limits and allow everyone equal access to the water. With multiple coal mines on the horizon, this change would allow the mines access to the water they need to operate. The government has also proposed to set aside 20% of the total allocation for the environment.
In the blog series, we will discuss why the Order was created initially many years ago as well as what changing it means for development, our creeks and rivers, and for each sector.
Photo by Jon Martin. C 2020.
Looking Ahead
It looks like 2021 is going to be a challenging year for our community, with multiple watershed issues dividing people and sparking debate. We will continue to provide timely information and multiple perspectives on the watershed-centric topics that matter most. We hope that we can help answer your questions and assist you in shaping informed opinions. Our goal is to be as open and transparent as possible during these discussions, and we look forward to sharing our position on each topic.
We will be working hard to build community and maintain positive relationships across the watershed, because no matter what happens, we all live here together drinking the same water, breathing the same air, and benefiting from collaboration. We know these discussions will be tough. When watershed health and livelihood are on the table and potentially at odds with each other, we would expect no less. We understand that everyone wants what’s best for their families. As we hear varying perspectives from all stakeholders and work through these complex issues, we ask that everyone adopt a respectful and inclusive approach with their own discussions. Having your voice heard is equally as important as listening to others in finding real and effective solutions. Though we may not always agree on the details, we do all agree that protecting our water is paramount.
