Coal mining, washing and burning all release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the environment, by the truckload. For every tonne of coal mined, between 1 and 2.5 cubic meters of groundwater is made unusable .

Even after coal mines are closed, they continue to be a source of acidic runoff, often tainted with toxic heavy metals like cadmium and cobalt. The acidity kills fish and other wildlife, and heavy metals from runoff accumulate in the bodies of animals that drink the water.

In addition, hazardous coal ash can coat crops in toxic chemicals, leach into groundwater and streams, and be transported hundreds of kilometers by strong winds. At some sites, wastewater from coal-fired power plants remains poorly treated, pouring a dangerous mix of carcinogens into the environment.

Source: Three ways coal is depleting the world’s water resources – Greenpeace International

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Environmental Damage From Coal

Cardero Resources Corp was establishing a coal mine in northeastern BC. The had a deal with Ridley Terminals for the shipment of metallurgical coal from the Carbon Creek project in the Peace River Coal Field.

Since coal mining uses a lot of water they were tapping into the Williston Lake Reservoir. It’s 251-km long and 155-km wide, making it the largest reservoir in British Columbia.

They ran into financial trouble in 2015. According to the Financial Post the prices were in the dumps “and investors have no interest in financing projects that are poised to lose money (or are already losing it).

“So it’s not a huge surprise that Desjardins Securities is kicking these stocks to the curb. Analyst Jackie Przybylowski has dropped coverage of Adriana Resources Inc., Cardero Resources Corp., Colonial Coal International Corp., Corsa Coal Corp. and New Millennium Iron Corp.”

From the project description on their executive summary that was submitted to the government, they make no secret the environmental damage their mine would cause. On page 27, section 4.1, they have itemized the damage they would do. In section 5.3, on page 30, they list how the Indigenous will be affected as well.

It could be pointed out that Cardero Resources operated in British Coulumbia. In fact, it appears that in Alberta, a federal assessment will need to be completed. What’s the chance it will be streamlined like it was in British Columbia?

What’s the chance we will have similar environmental problems?