Dust management in the Elk Valley

• We are using water and mister trucks to keep active roads and pit areas wet as part of our efforts to minimize dust generation during dry conditions.
• Commercially available dust suppressant products are applied to access roads and parking lots when conditions are dry (e.g., summertime). 
• For trains, we continue to apply dust suppressant to all loaded rail cars prior to leaving our operations. This helps minimize dust generation during transport.
• Seed and mulch or dust suppressant are applied during dry conditions to areas that are prone to dusting (e.g., coal stockpiles). 
• Progressive reclamation work is conducted annually, targeting disturbed areas that are either inactive or no longer needed for mining activity. Progressive reclamation can help to minimize fugitive dust generation and improve visual quality by establishing plants in areas of disturbance. 

Each operation has an on-site system that monitors particulate matter concentrations, wind speed and wind direction in real-time. The monitors are strategically placed in and around our operating areas and the data is utilized to inform our blasting practices and placement of water trucks, misters, and dust suppressants. 

By integrating these systems with EVR’s existing ambient air monitoring stations, our operations are able to: 

• Monitor weather conditions and particulate matter concentrations in and around the mine site in real-time. 
• Optimize placement and application of dust control measures based on dust concentration or weather (e.g., wind speed and direction) triggers. 
• Provide data to support dust and community feedback investigations, which we use to drive continuous improvement efforts on site. 

Establishing vegetation growth on inactive spoils, through seeding these areas with a helicopter, has been one of the most successful dust suppression pilot programs in recent years. The plants act as binders to reduce fugitive dust generation from these areas until final reclamation is completed.

Elkview Operations is currently testing two environmentally friendly dust suppressant products that are applied to dust sources as a foam (products are mixed with water). Early results indicate the foam, when compared to using water only, is long-lasting, covers large and hard-to-reach surfaces effectively, uses significantly less water, and is re-activated after a rainfall. If successful, EVR will be proceeding with regulatory approvals to expand use of the products at our Elkview Operations and other mines in the Elk Valley. 

The Socio-Community and Economic Effects Advisory Committee (SCEEAC) is made up of representatives from Elkview Operations, the District of Sparwood and Sparwood residents. The SCEEAC provides feedback and recommendations to EVR for consideration with respect to implementing Elkview Operations’ Baldy Ridge Extension Environmental Assessment Certificate Condition 21.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the quarterly SCEEAC meetings. The schedule, agendas, and minutes can be viewed at www.sparwood.ca/livable. Additionally, residents may provide feedback to the SCEEAC via livable@sparwood.ca.