Letter: Coal mining on the eastern slopes a net negative that must not be allowed

By Letter to the Editor on March 6, 2024.

Dear editor,

Regarding: coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

Open pit coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains should not be permitted.

First of all, it will poison our drinking water with selenium and other hazardous chemicals – drinking water that is crucial to life in the southern part of Alberta and a large part of Saskatchewan.

Secondly, it will poison the water that more than one species-at-risk must survive in. Species such as fish, birds and mammals.

Thirdly, the same poisoned water will be irrigated on many acres of land in southern Alberta. The irrigated land produces food for both humans and animals alike.

Fourthly, the mine site and access roads will destroy the habitat, migration and wildlife corridors for many mammals.

Fifthly, it will destroy the tourism industry in the area and the livelihoods of those who work in the tourism industry.

I’m also curious as to why the new 35 km buffer zones around “pristine viewscapes” required for windmills in the Rockies will not apply to the proposed coal mine.

And finally, studies have determined that the benefits of a coal mine are minimal. In fact the studies show there will be a net loss of both employment and income if a mine were to proceed.

I also find it irresponsible of the government to allow a coal mining company to use large quantities of water while we struggle with our drought in southern Alberta. This will reduce the amount of water available to irrigation districts at a time when they are being asked to reduce usage.

Allowing a development such as this to proceed would be absolutely irresponsible.

It has been proven that steel production can be done without the use of coal. So why on Earth would we have a coal mine such as this in Canada?

Leave the coal in the ground and we will all be better off.

Yours truly,

Edward Fredeen

Medicine Hat

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