Water quality conditions and status of water treatment in the Elk River watershed and Koocanusa Reservoir.

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Status of Elk Valley Water Quality Plan implementation

The Elk Valley Water Quality Plan is improving water quality in the Elk River watershed.

The Elk Valley Water Quality Plan and Permit 107517 are resulting in and driving the following important actions:

• Three water treatment facilities are now operating, with a fourth facility permitted and expected to begin operating in the next year.
• Increasing amounts of selenium and nitrate are being removed from the Elk River watershed.
• Water quality targets are being met in many areas of the Elk Valley; however, selenium and nitrate amounts remain elevated in the Fording River and areas close to the mines.
• More water treatment facilities are being planned and constructed which will further reduce amounts of selenium and nitrate.
• New science and information are guiding Teck’s strategies to achieve Elk Valley Water Quality Plan goals and objectives and permit requirements.
• Research and development investments are ongoing to improve treatment and mining methods.
• Extensive monitoring and assessment programs are in place to track changes in aquatic ecosystems in the Elk Valley and Koocanusa Reservoir.
• B.C. is holding Teck accountable for meeting permit requirements with compliance and enforcement actions.