Mining coal - Key potential environmental impacts

Land

Land disturbance

What is the issue?

Surface mining of coal disturbs areas of land. Associated activities can cause soil erosion, dust pollution and the loss of productive land, wildlife habitat and historical sites.

What is industry doing?

Most of our country’s coal production is in Western Canada. Because this area also has rich agricultural, ranching, recreational and wildlife resources, the mining industry returns lands to an agreed upon condition as quickly as possible. Depending on the environmental or wildlife values considered, this post mining condition is generally better for plants and animals than the pre-mining conditions. The reclamation process begins before mining starts and continues throughout the life of the mine and beyond.

• mine planning
  Several years before a mine starts, planning begins with environmental impact assessments, public consultations and reviews by regulatory agencies. Environmental specialists start the process by studying existing ecosystems and local resources to identify sensitivities and potential impacts. They establish baseline information for surface and ground water, soils, local use, historical sites and social and economic conditions. This information is used to choose the best location for the mine and to develop environmental protection and reclamation plans for the area.
  
  
• public consultation
  Industry consults with regulators, local communities and area residents about the anticipated impact of mining on local land use, transportation systems and quality of life. This is undertaken to get input from local residents so that their ideas and concerns can be addressed when developing project and land reclamation plans.
  
  
• regulatory review
  Provincial and federal regulatory agencies evaluate reclamation plans, considering the baseline environmental information and the long-term interests of those likely to be directly affected by mining projects. Mining cannot proceed until the company receives permits based on strict environmental standards for land reclamation, protection of wildlife and the management of air and water quality. Regulatory agencies carry out inspections throughout the mining process to ensure government standards are met.
  
  
• reclamation techniques
  As mining progresses, soil is removed and stockpiled to expose coal. Once the coal has been removed from a mine area, land reclamation begins. The mined-out areas and spoil sites are graded and re-contoured, and subsoil and topsoil are replaced on the site. The land is replanted with compatible vegetation — for example, grain crops, hay, trees or shrubs. In this way, land used for coal mining can be returned to a productive state.
  
  
• monitoring and research
  After a mine closes, vegetation monitoring and soil analysis may continue for five years or more, depending on specific reclamation plans for the site. Ongoing research programs provide information to confirm that reclamation practices are having the desired results. These studies also identify areas where corrections or improvements are required.