CST Canada Coal Limited (CST Coal) receives a ‘slap on the wrist’ from the Alberta Energy Regulator for releasing mine wastewater into the Smoky River

Edmonton, AB February 26, 2025 – CPAWS Northern Alberta is disappointed to learn that CST Coal will be fined a nominal fee of $9,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for releasing mine wastewater into the Smoky River in March 2023. The incident was subject to an AER investigation where it was found that CST Coal released mine wastewater into the environment that exceeded permitted limits and that the company failed to immediately report the released wastewater. Both are in contravention of section 227(e) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.   

The AER investigation additionally found that the total suspended solids in the wastewater exceeded the permitted threshold and that the mine wastewater released had a moderate potential for adverse environmental effects. The Government of Alberta’s Senior Fisheries Biologist informed the investigation that “fish species in the Smoky River near the release site can be harmed by fine sediments through gill abrasion and behavioural changes.” Arctic Grayling and Bull Trout are species of concern found within the watershed and can be displaced or harmed by sediments in the river.   

This is the second administrative penalty that CST Coal has received in the past year. The company was charged $22,000 for spilling untreated mine wastewater that contained suspended solids and metals into the Smoky River in December 2022 due to frozen pipes, broken sensors and, like the incident in 2023, failing to immediately report the spill.  

Coal mining is harmful to downstream water sources and can put undue stress on aquatic ecosystems. Mine wastewater contains contaminants such as selenium, and other suspended solids that can harm fish, wildlife and humans.   

“Albertans have been repeatedly told by coal companies that environmental protocols and standards are “world-class”. But this emerging pattern with CST Coal heightens concerns over re-opening the Eastern Slopes to new coal mines. How are communities supposed to be reassured that protocols are being followed to protect them from risk when coal companies fail to contain their mine wastewater and fail to report its release into our drinking waters?”, says Tara Russell, Program Director, CPAWS Northern Alberta.   

Both of the fines given by the AER are based on findings that suggest CST Coal is negligent in its preparedness to respond to issues with mine wastewater management. Incidents such as these raise serious doubts about coal mine companies’ ability to manage mine waste and safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Meagre fines do little to incentivize company investments into rigorous environmental protection protocols that protect Alberta’s communities, species at risk, wildlife and waters. All of which will continue to be negatively impacted at an accelerated rate with new coal development set to move forward in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.  

For more information, contact: 

Tara Russell, Program Director, CPAWS Northern Alberta
[email protected]