A new climate and air quality monitoring station in Sparwood is expected to be operational by the end of October.
Teck Coal monitors air quality at four locations around the Elkview mine site and will install a fifth station under a partnering agreement with the District of Sparwood.
On August 20, Sparwood councillors voted in favour of working with the mining company to install the Sparwood Heights Air Monitor, which will include a photographic platform for District cameras.
It comes amid public concern about airborne dust caused by explosions and other mining activity at Teck’s Elkview Operations, including an incident in May when residents reported “black rain” falling from the sky and soiling clothing and property.
Teck’s Manager of Social Responsibility Nic Milligan said the new station would cost approximately $200,000 to purchase and install, and about $30,000 a year to maintain.
It is expected to be operational by the end of October, with all data to be made publicly available.
“The monitoring station is part of an extensive dust management program Teck has in place,” said Milligan.
“The station will monitor area air quality while helping to evaluate effectiveness of Teck’s dust mitigation initiatives.”
These include water trucks to keep active road and pit areas wetted to minimize dust generation; train car treatment; and reclamation of former mining areas.
Teck currently has eight continuous air quality monitoring stations, located at Hosmer, Andy Good near Coal Mountain Operations, downtown Sparwood, Michel Creek Road, Whispering Winds Trailer Park in Sparwood, Line Creek, Elkford and South Spoils between the Fording River and Greenhills mines.
The company has set up a community feedback line, where residents can have their say on the effectiveness of mitigation measures and raise new issues.
Feedback can be left anonymously via 1-855-806-6854, feedbackteckcoal@teck.com or a feedback form available from the Teck feedback box outside the District of Sparwood office.
Those who leave their contact details will receive a response from Teck.