Amid concerns about droughts, selenium pollution, at-risk species and Indigenous consultation, the Alberta government is poised to allow coal companies to undercut a functioning water market. The Alberta government’s rescindment of a longstanding coal policy, leaving previously protected lands available to open-pit coal mining, has locals concerned about family livelihoods. Among the concerns is the impact coal mines will have on the water supply, both the quality and quantity — for ranchers and others reliant on local rivers and streams for irrigation. It’s especially concerning given the government’s proposal to give coal companies access to some “free” water.
Source: The Narwhal
