You may have received a postcard style invitation in the mail from Teck Resources inviting you to a series of open houses they are holding in the Elk Valley. This is your chance to provide your input to the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan (EVWQP).
Teck Resources Ltd. is now in the consultation and development phase of the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan they were ordered to prepare by former Minister of Environment Terry Lake on April 15, 2013.
The objective of the plan is to stabilize and reverse the increasing trend of selenium and other substances related to mining activity in the watershed.
Bound by section 89 of the Environmental Management Act Teck had 90 days to submit the plan’s Terms of Reference (TOR) for MOE’s approval. MOE approved of the Terms of References on July 22, 2013. Teck now has 12 months to complete the plan, which directs them to include public input.
The process to develop the plan will include three formal public consultation periods, with the first period taking place October 28 to November 29.
Teck is holding a consultation open house for four hours in each community on Nov. 12 through 14 in Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A presentation will begin at 7 pm at each open house followed by a question and answer session.
More public consultation periods will take place in 2014.
The consultation process during development of the Plan will include two rounds of consultation at the following stages: consultation regarding a draft Plan framework; and consultation regarding the draft Plan. Consultation will be facilitated by an independent third party through the following methods: bilateral meetings with key groups; small group meetings and open houses in key communities such as Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie; online consultation opportunities through on-line materials and feedback forms; and written submissions through mail, email, website or fax.
Teck must complete and submit the final plan to MOE in the spring of 2014.
Teck is also asking for your feedback at www.teckelkvalley.com.