URGENT FUND RAISING INITIATVE
Coal Mine Threatens Eastern Slopes
Livingstone Landowners urgently needs your help to engage health experts to identify and address human health and other risks associated with a proposed 28 sq kilometer coal mine proposed near the Crowsnest Pass. More than 50,000 hectares (500 sq km) of coal leases in the area are being considered for development if the Grassy Mountain coal mining project proceeds.
Short Window of Time to Act
On June 25, 2020 the joint/federal provincial committee reviewing the project announced that it is ready to proceed to a public hearing. More details will be provided shortly but we have a short window of time to prepare and we urgently need your help. The Grassy Mountain Project is the first in a series of massive open-pit or “mountain-top removal” mines planned for the area. As such, the outcome of this hearing has far-reaching ramifications.
The Grassy Mountain hearing will determine if the project proceeds and if so, under what conditions. The decisions on this project will be key precedents for others and may largely determine the future of additional mine projects and the entire south Eastern Slopes.
As detailed on the Issues page under Coal Mining, these massive developments will irreversibly alter this extraordinary landscape - reducing water supply, contaminating increasingly fragile and limited headwaters far downsteam on the Crowsnest and Oldman River systems, endangering human and animal health through airborne contaminants and negatively affecting and/or destroying cattle grazing on native grass leases that have been part of our history for generations. Loss of critical habitat and contaminated water will affect native trout and multiple species-at-risk.
Already coal exploration activity in anticipation of development is destroying habitat, crating hundreds of kilometres of new roadsways and creating noise and disturbance throughout the area. If this continues it will eliminate and displace camping and other quiet recreation and tourism opportunities for Albertans and visitors.
Destruction is already happening in many areas of the south Eastern Slopes as international companies create roads and build hundreds of new drill sites as part of coal exploration programs.
Preparing Hearing Evidence
An LLG committee has been working cooperatively with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Association (CPAWs) and other organizations and individuals to ensure that any decisions on new coal mining projects are based on the best possible analysis of the impacts on those of us living downwind and downstream.
Key analysis topics LLG is involved with include:
Technical analysis and review of the mine engineering and safety practices - underway
Human Health Risks and Mitigations
Cumulative Effects of Multiple Coal Mines in the Area
Land Use Planning Conflicts
Economic Development Impacts
Based on LLG funds currently available from concerned citizens some work has already started but more funds are urgently required.
Other critical areas of focus, including overall Environmental Impact on wildlife, fish, flora and fauna, critical water sources and air quality and economic impacts on the region are being addressed through other collaborative organizations and individuals.