Elk Valley Resources Fined $3.6M, Promises Faster Water Cleanup

Elk Valley Resources Operations Limited (EVR), formerly Teck Coal Limited, has been fined $3.6 million for water quality violations at its coal mining operations in the Elk Valley.

The penalties, announced October 1 under B.C.’s Environmental Management Act, stem from delays in constructing three water treatment facilities and 171 exceedances of nitrate and selenium limits between 2018 and 2023 at five mine sites across the Elk Valley.

Water quality in the Elk and Kootenay river systems has been a source of concern for decades. Elevated selenium and nitrate levels — byproducts of mining activity — have affected fish and aquatic ecosystems and prompted scrutiny from the Ktunaxa Nation Council, environmental groups, and U.S. agencies downstream in Montana.

Both selenium and nitrates are naturally occurring elements, but at elevated levels can harm fish reproduction, aquatic life, and broader ecosystem health. Internationally, the issue is under review by the International Joint Commission, which is studying cross-border impacts under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. A final report is expected in 2026.

EVR, now part of Glencore, acknowledged the penalties and reaffirmed its commitment to improving water quality across the region.

“Monitoring shows selenium and nitrate levels have stabilized and are decreasing downstream of treatment,” the company said in a statement. “Our four constructed water treatment facilities have capacity to treat 77.5 million litres of water per day and are successfully removing between 95 and 99 per cent of selenium from treated water.”

Elk Valley Water Quality Plan Achieves Significant Progress

To date, EVR has invested $1.5 billion in water treatment infrastructure and expects to invest an additional $700 million by 2027. The company anticipates full compliance with provincial water quality targets by 2028.

The Elk River is central to Fernie’s identity — supporting fish populations, wildlife, and a thriving recreation economy. EVR says it will continue to collaborate with the Ktunaxa Nation, government regulators, and local stakeholders to advance water cleanup efforts and ensure the long-term health of the Elk Valley watershed.

Editor’s Note: This article includes information from Glacier Media reporting by Stefan Labbé and public statements issued by EVR and the B.C. Ministry of Environment.