BC company fined $809,700 for exceeding selenium discharge limits by 40 times

A BC mine company was fined $809,700 for exceeding selenium discharge limits over 40 times.

Peace River Coal Inc. operates the Trend-Roman coal mine located approximately 30 km south of Tumbler Ridge.

The mine started operations in 2008.

In 2019, PRC failed to comply with their Permit and exceeded the selenium limits they were authorized to discharge in Babcock and Gordon Creeks by over 40 times.

The company is allowed to discharge treated effluent to Babcock Creek, Gordon Creek and the Murray River.

However, these discharges are subject to specific terms and conditions such as discharge quantity and quality, including selenium.

Selenium limits are in place because high levels in surface water, groundwater, soils and vegetation can bioaccumulate and potentially become toxic to aquatic life, birds and mammals including humans.

The company also failed to provide six quarterly reports and one annual report.

This resulted in three administrative penalties of $809,700.