The federal government is contemplating the introduction of new
limits on effluent discharges from coal mines.
The new regulations are proposed to be introduced under the
Fisheries Act and would limit the levels of suspended solids,
nitrates, and selenium that can be discharged and would require
monitoring to ensure these levels are not exceeded.
Reportedly, in introducing these new
regulations, Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking to
reduce levels of substances found in coal mine effluent that have
the potential to harm human health, fish, and fish habitat.
Environment Canada remains particularly concerned
about the potentially harmful impacts from selenium. Selenium
is a by-product of the coal mining process and is found in coal
mining effluent. It is known to accumulate in fish and interrupt
reproduction. Subsistence fishers, such as some Inuit, as well as
individuals who consume vitamin/ mineral supplements with high
levels of selenium, may be
