History

April 8: AWA travels to Grande Cache and takes a tour of the GCC Mine 12 B2 pit:

• AWA discusses Phase II of B2 pit with Gene Wasuty, vice president of operations for Grande Cache Coal Corporation, Brenda MacFadyen- Landry, Environmental Coordinator, and Chris Quintilio, Smoky River Environmental Services
• Wasuty highlights that it is the intent of GCC to eventually apply for permits and leases of mine Caw Ridge.
• AWA concerns include the following:
  • The impact on the mountain caribou herd using Caw Ridge for migration route. The major impact is sensory disturbance due to activity of heavy equipment and blasting. As a result, caribou may alter their use of foraging habitat and may be displaced.
• GCC argues that mitigation measures will be implemented when caribou approach the active mining area which includes the provision to temporarily cease mine activity, particularly blasting and altering location of activity such as vehicle movement.
• GCC proposes to conduct future caribou monitoring through coordinated approaches with the West Central Alberta Caribou Standing Committee.
• To minimize wildlife collision, reduced vehicle speeds, posting of frequent wildlife crossing areas and worker education are being implemented.
• Reclamation of B2 Extension pit (Phase I and II) will re-establish habitat. Wildlife will experience only a minor loss of local habitat. GCC feels reclamation will have major positive and long term impacts on wildlife compared to the mine site’s current condition.
• Plant species and densities will be adjusted based on slope and aspect conditions.
• Reclamation options include:
  • Resolving of backfill, waste rock dumps and road slope.
  • Ripping of compacted areas.
  • Replacing previously salvaged cover soil.
  • Revegetation and maintenance.
  • Monitoring to confirm compliance with approval reclamation plan.
• Reclaimed landscape will be similar to native landscapes in the area:
  • mixed forest type will be used for less steep slopes, grass legume cover with later coniferous and deciduous planting
  • grassland/ deciduous type will be used for steep slopes - and initial grass legume cover with later deciduous tree and shrub planting
  • cover soil salvaged by SRCL will be used and used for resloping
  • Reclaimed landscape will include 2 end pit lakes for wildlife watering, possible fisheries habitat and flow regulation
• Reclamation will begin following mine activities cessation in 2010.

AWA representatives are given a tour of the Grande Cache Coal B2 mine pit.

AWA writes to the Honourable Guy Boutilier to ask that no new leases are sold and no amendment approvals be granted under existing leases permitting activity on Caw Ridge.

• Represents the completion of mining and reclamation of GCC’s B2 mining operation.
• When complete, the mine will have a total footprint of 183ha.
• Phase II to provide coal for export.
• Phase II will extend Phase I operations by 16 months and will mine ~70,000tonnes of coal per month. This will yield ~5.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal.
• Completion of mining in No 12 B2 Extension pit area is expected by 2010.

GCC negotiates a price of $125 US per tonne for 2/3s of its 2005 production, sharing the highest price ever secured for Canadian hard coking coal. The average price in 2004 was $64 per tonne. The large increase is due to a global shortage of hard coking coal.

• These amendments will include permission for operation of the South Lobe pit, immediately adjacent to the B2 pit Phase 1 activity, and waste rock dump configuration (5 separate waste dumps).
• The mining of the South Lobe satellite pit and waste rock dumps will ensure the optimum recovery of economic coal in this area.
• A new haul road ~2km in length will be built to access the South Lobe

June 14: GCC sends letter of response to AWA regarding their June 2004 submission:

• GCC does not hold coal leases on the No. 12 pits C-F area also referred to as Caw Ridge.
• GCC will not apply for approval to mine Caw Ridge area through a “ redesignation” of the pit as an extension of existing Mine 12.
• GCC will not circumvent the need for proper environmental assessments or public hearings on any of its coal lease areas.
• GCC continues to deny that they hold any coal leases in the Caw ridge area.
• Bernd Martens notes that in regards to caribou, the B2 Pit area is 100% disturbed since SRCL therefore this may be the reason the caribou are avoiding the area. He noted however, the B2 pit cannot be reclaimed until the remaining coal is removed.
• Martens says he has discusses caribou avoidance with the Central Alberta Caribou Standing Committee and they suggest that land uses elsewhere may have altered caribou movements in this areas.
• Martens says that Alberta Environment has engaged Millenium EMS Solutions Ltd. to develop a program for safe reclamation of the former SRCL site. Since GCC proposes to assume reclamation liability for B2 Pit (because they want to remove coal), the reclamation security fund left by SRCL (7.5Million) is freed up for other areas.
• No. 8 mine is the subject of our environmental impact assessment and scheduled for development as No. 7 is completed.
• The only coal lease that GCC owns in the No. 12 mine area is that of the B2 pit.
• GCC’s application for B2 Phase I contains commitments relative to caribou and fisheries.
• GCC will take over management of existing settling ponds in Beaverdam Creek area which were otherwise maintained and monitored by Alberta Environment to protect bull trout until reclamation occurs.
• GCC’s ability to complete mining in B2 area will get them to this state faster.

June 8: Correspondence from Steve Cote, Professor of Biology at Laval University. Research shows that goats did not use the site adjacent to the B2 mining area. This suggests a strong impact of mining activities on space used by the goats. They are concerned the mining will impact the goats and their behaviour. Development of south lobe as part of a new phase of the B2 extension would impact mountain goats by decreasing habitat, decreases population size and decrease the migration of goats along the ridge.

Correspondence between AWA and Brian Bildson regarding Public Notice of B2 amendment":

• Bildson is to meet with Steve Cote, a goat biologist who says he’s noted distinct avoidance by the goats of the B2 site.
• Bildson meets with GCC who will not acknowledge that their B2 is on Caw Ridge. The company believes the disturbance is already done. GCC feels the best course of action is to extract the remaining coal and reclaim the site.

The haul road clearing and road construction for No. 7 mine begins. There is public concern as June is goat kidding time on Mt Hamel. GCC expects to be removing coal from No. 7 by December 2004

AWA makes a submission to Alberta Environment regarding GCC’s application for amendment to re open of B2 pit mine. Main points of emphasis include:

• The importance of Caw Ridge for wildlife.
• Reclamation failure of past companies.
• AWA requested that reclamation of B2 be conducted and no further activity be allowed.
• Return Caw Ridge to the Willmore Wilderness Park.
• Reclaim the west headwall for wildlife safety and eliminate the rock berm.
• Relinquish leases association with Mine 12 and make more commitment to underground operations.
• Investigate ramifications of reopening B2 Pit for 3 years on the caribou and bull trout.
• Application is only made for Phase 1 of project and no information provided for next phases. No decision should be made on this application until the rest of development scenario is presented and assessed.
• Monitoring is not enough to avoid impacts nor should it serve as mitigation.
• The project ignores cumulative impacts.
• There will be impacts on the caribou herds. Caribou have been known to avoid the area since the initial B2 pit work.
• Conclusion: B2 Pit and particularly the B2 extension is located on public land and zoned as critical wildlife habitat. It should not be re-entered but rather reclaimed. Caw Ridge should be protected under the Willmore Wilderness Park as compensation for irreparable environmental losses from the mine and as an attempt to recover the caribou population.

AWA makes a submission on the Grande Cache Coal Corporation’s application to re-open Mine 12, Pit B. AWA is concerned that allowing further development of B2 will facilitate extension of development by increment to the detriment of wildlife.

Alberta Environment asks that AWA outline concerns specific to the development proposed in the current application and clarify exactly how individuals from AWA are directly affected by the proposal. In its response, AWA argues that their initial submission does in fact comply with all of the information required to qualify as “directly affected” and “acting in the public interest.”

• construct access road and portal to No. 7 underground mine;
• conduct surface mining of the No. 12 South B2 mine;
• haul coal from both surface and underground mine to the processing plant.

GCC raises $50M from selling common shares to start mining. The success of GCC will be due to the increase in demand for metallurgical coal. A GCC news Release states: “The net proceed…will be used by the company to fund the initial capital expenditures to develop and equip the No.7 underground mine, the refurbishment of the of the coal process plant, to deposit reclamation security with the Alberta Government, to complete exploration, engineering and permitting of the No. 16 east surface mine and for working capital.”

Public Notice: GCC applies to Alberta Environment for an amendment to the existing approval for the opening up, construction, operation and reclamation of the No. 12 Mine south B2 Extension Phase 1 mine and coal processing facility. The proposed development includes the No. 12 Mine South B2 Extension open pit mine, haul roads, Flood Creek Disposal facility, coal processing plant and associated infrastructure (Twn 58, Ranges 7,8,9, and 10, W6). The amendment includes approximately 10.79 hectares of new disturbance and 262.33 hectares of previously disturbed land and will be reclaimed to wildlife habitat.

The public notification of these actions prompts concern from the environmental community. GCC does not refer to the B2 extension as Caw Ridge but rather as the No.12 Mine B2 pit in order to make it more “acceptable” to the public. The company advises that the coal in B2 is already exposed and the pit already exists. There will be no increased stripping or removal of overburden in this B2 extension.

Brian Bildson submits statement of concern regarding amendment for commence B2 Pit mining.

• GCC’s EIA identifies the traditional migration route of the Prairie Creek/ RedRock mountain caribou herd as passing directly adjacent to B2 development.
• SRCL placed a rock berm at the top of B2 pit but little research has been done on the effectiveness of this berm and the impact of caribou movement from the coal development.
• Local biologist say the caribou have been avoiding the area since the development of the pit.
• GCC should defer activities within the B2 pit until the Alberta Woodland Caribou Recovery Plan is released.

AWA is notified by GCC that the company will complete the mining and reclamation at the No.12 Mine south B2 Pit developed by SRCL. The majority of the surface disturbance in the B2 mine area occurred during SRCL operations. GCC’s approval to complete mining in the B2 pit area will facilitate the ultimate reclamation of this area.

GCC operations in the B2 Mine area will stay within the boundaries of SRCL approval and mine licenses. These licenses were transferred by EUB to GCC in 2003. SRCL was authorized to operate several settling ponds. These ponds have been maintained by Alberta Environment since SRCL receivership. GCC would assume responsibility of these settling ponds through proposed amendment approval.

May 11: The Grande Cache Coal Corporation gives public notice that it has applied to Alberta Environment to re-open Mine 12, Pit B to mine low-grade coal. High-grade coal was mined from this pit in 1999 until the operator, Smoky River Coal Ltd., went bankrupt. In its wake, Smoky River Coal Ltd. left behind an un-reclaimed open wound and no money to reclaim it. It is uncertain if this mine can be reclaimed. The mine itself sits immediately adjacent to the western side of Caw Ridge, separated only by a large rock berm.

• GCC will use an open pit truck and shovel mining method and will be hauled by highway haul trucks on existing haul roads to coal processing plant for export or to H. R. Milner generating station.
• Phase 1 will produce coal for export and for H. R. Milner generating station. Coal product will also be exported primarily to Japanese and Korean Steel producers.
• GCC expects to hire 130 mining personnel.
• The total footprint of Phase 1 plan is about 70 ha of which 58ha is currently disturbed. Total current disturbance to the No 12 south B2 pit is ~ 190ha.
• B2 Phase 1 will have dimensions of 500m long(east to west) by 350, wide (North to south) and 75 m deep.
• The area of operation include B2 Phase 1 mine site and existing infrastructure of haul road, coal handing facilities, coal processing plant and coal waste storage facilities.
• GCC also requests issuance of relevant approvals under the Water Act relating to water management and water use. Water plan includes operation and maintenance of several existing settling ponds and provision for drainage control structures along the haul road.
• Will yield 291,000 tonnes of metallurgical coal.
• GCC has scheduled its development plans to begin mining B2 No. 12 while developing No. 7 mine. No. 7 will take longer time to develop than B2 Phase 1.
• As a condition of requested EPEA amendment, GCC will assume reclamation liability within the footprint of Phase 1 mine plan currently held by Alberta Environment.
• Environmental monitoring data specific to B2 Phase I mine includes:
  • Climate and air quality monitoring
  • Surface water monitoring including stream flow monitoring and fish resources
  • Groundwater monitoring
  • Wildlife monitoring:
    • 11 years of baseline wildlife studies, principally mountain caribou from SRCL (began in 1989 - 2000)
    • Initial wildlife program provided basis for impact assessments and development mitigation programs for SRCL proposed surface mines on Caw Ridge (“ Copton East Lease mines or No. 20 mine).
    • Studies contributed to the assessment of impacts on wildlife and development of mitigation programs for SRCL No 12 Mine south Be Project. And in 1999 caribou monitoring program address caribou monitoring requirements.
    • Scope of SRCL wildlife monitoring program for No 12 area and beyond Caw Ridge included a) acquisition of baseline information to defines seasonal use by caribou, b) impact assessment related to proposed surface mines, and c) development of a hands on field mitigation programs for No 12 (Caribou Protection Program) - included track and telemetry surveys.
    • These were undertaken by Renewable Resources Consulting Services Ltd. (RRC) for SRCL.
    • Wildlife monitoring program indicated extensive use of Caw Ridge by the Redrock/ Prairie Creek caribou herd during most study years.
    • Caribou RedRock/Prairie Creek herd consistently used Caw Ridge during migration except during years with heavy snowfall.
    • Westerly portion of ridge (adjacent to B2 pit) received most use.
• GCC intends to file for future amendments to complete B2 extension pit – “Ultimate Phase II Mine Plan.”

GCC acquires EPEA approval for No. 7 mine project. GCC schedules its development so it can begin mining within the No. 12 Mine South B2 area whiled developing the No. 7 mine. This will allow GCC to meet commitments under long term supply agreements with Japan and Korea as well as meeting supply requests from H.R. Milner generating station.

• 3.1 million tonnes of coal remaining in B2 pit.
• The B2 Phase 1 mine will remove 291,000 tonnes of metallurgical coal in 2004-2005. It is anticipated there will be a Phase II to this project.
• If GCC receives all necessary amendment approvals from EUB and Alberta Environment regarding mining this pit, GCC will be responsible for reclamation.
• The EUB recognizes that if coal leases are issues in respect to Caw Ridge, it is responsible to consult with stakeholders via the Inquiry that had been deferred in 2000. Caw Ridge coal leases have not been issued by Alberta Energy and therefore, EUB will keep the Inquiry on hold.

GCC holds an Open House in Grande Cache to update and present the proposed No. 12 Mine South B2 Extension Pit Mining and Reclamation Project to the public, and provide an update on the status of regulatory approval and No. 7 underground mine. GCC is seeking financing to complete the No. 7 mine for late 2003.

• The EUB received no public objection prior to approval of the mine project therefore allowing the proposal to proceed without having to go to public hearing
• GCC president Bob Stan must still complete the financing for the project. The costs are estimated at $25M-40M.
• GCC also acquires the coal rights from Alberta Energy for former SRCL No. 12 Mine South B2 Extension Pit surface mine
• Giving GCC approval to mine B2 extension Pit will ” recover an exposed coal resource, relieve the Province of reclamation costs, and provide additional work to local communities.” (Corporate Update).

• Mt. Hamel is populated by range of subalpine and alpine species.
• Mountain goat herd is of concern. Their habitat must remain undisturbed.
• Increases in motorized traffic and recreating public should not be allowed.
• A cumulative impact assessment is required as part of the application.

March 5: GCC provides AWA with a copy of the Public Disclosure Document and EIA Terms of Reference for No. 7 and 8 mine projects that the company submitted to Alberta Environment.

• They share concern regarding reclamation of the B2 pit and want the suspension of any further leases on Caw Ridge.
• Bildson told by GCC president (CEO) Jim Decker that it is within their long range plans to apply for further leases on Caw Ridge, specifically for pits C and C. GCC feel they can develop them without causing environmental damage.
• In communication with the EUB, Bildson was informed that no leases would be granted for Caw ridge until all environmental concerns were examined.

Nov. 21: GCC holds open houses for the No. 7 and No. 8 mine proposals.

• Project located 20km north of Grande Cache in the Sheep Creek area that had been mined previously by SRCL.
• Project involves the mining and processing of raw coal to produce high quality, low volatile, metallurgical coal for export markets. GCC proposed to mine 1.7M tonnes coal to produce about 1.3 M tonnes of clean premium grade metallurgical coal. Projects expected to operate for approximately 30 years.
• The No. 7 underground mine would employ ~ 200 people
• The underground mine would be developed on the west slope of Mt. Hammel (SE of Caw Ridge).
• The surface mine in the old No. 8 mine area includes the associated haul roads, operation of existing coal processing and loadout facilities at plant site on Smoky river floodplain and mine site decommissioning and reclamation.
• No. 7 would require a 6km haul road to be constructed and would produce 7.6 M tonnes of coal over 4 years.
• Once in full production, No 7 mine would produce 2 M tonnes of raw coal annually using the room and pillar mining system. The No. 7 mine has coal reserves of 10 M tonnes.
• Once No. 7 is operational, GCC will seek approvals for surface mine in No. 8 mine area above Sheep creek.
• The No. 8 mine has 8 M tonnes of metallurgical coal and 250,000 tonnes of thermal coal.
• The company announced they had purchased the coal leases for No. 7 and 8 from Government as well as the assets key to operation including preparation plant, mine dry facilities, mining equipment and geological and engineering info gathered by SRCL.
• GCC is filing applications for approval from Environmental Protection ad Enhancement Act and Water Act.
• GCC needs a mine permit, license and approval for the coal processing plant from the EUB.
• GCC anticipated commending the project in June 2002.
• GCC will renew contracts with SRCL’s previous customers in Japan, Taiwan and Europe. It will also try to sell coal to the nearby H.R. Milner generating station.
• Alberta Environment is directing an EIA report for the project and this EIA will form part of GCCs application to Alberta Energy Utilities Board.
• The company has submitted the Disclosure Document outlining mining plans to Alberta Environment and has prepared an EIA Terms of Reference for public review and comment.

• Lease implies construction, operation and reclaiming.
• Leases purchased from AB Government for $50,000.
• Company filing the necessary regulatory applications to obtain the required permits, licenses and environmental approvals.
• GCC has also made applications for almost all of the coal leases owned by the defunct SRCL except the northwest corner which represents a large portion of Caw Ridge.
• The No. 7 underground mine will employ about 200 workers.

AWA receives a reply from Alberta Environment (Land Management Program Manager Chris Powter) regarding reclamation of Smoky River Coal mine site including B2 Pit extension.

• Following the closure of SRCL, PriceWaterhouseCoppers is responsible for the mine site and declaimed all mineral leases back to the crown. Until leases are back to the crown however, Alberta Environment does not expect to proceed with any reclamation work.
• Reclamations security for surface disturbances received for SRCL minesite is $7,135,542.54. Alberta Environment and the EUB have a joint transition team in place to deal with environmental matters at the minesite including reclamation since Smoky River coal went into receivership.
• The Alberta Environment and the EUB will jointly develop a reclamation plan, cost estimate and implementation strategy for the mine site. It is expected the plan will include reclaiming of the B2 pit.
• A cumulative effects assessment is not part of the established reclamation procedures and no such assessment is planned for the mine.

AWA is concerned as they feel reclamation of Caw Ridge should be conducted and that the Ridge be reincorporated back into the Willmore Wilderness Park.

In response to AWA’s request for information regarding reclamation plans for the former Smoky River Coal Ltd. minesite, Chris Powter, manager of the Land Management Program, notes that the reclamation security for surface disturbances at the Smoky River Ltd. minesite is more than $7 million. He claims the “department and board will jointly develop a reclamation plan and cost-estimate for the minesite, as well as a strategy for implementing the plan, in accordance with their respective regulatory responsibilities. It is expected the plan will include reclaiming the B2 Pit.”

SRCL constructs safety/caribou berm above B2 extension pit highwall in compliance with EPEA amendment approval.

• scope and purpose of inquiry
• location and timing of inquiry
• procedures to be used in inquiry, among others.

Conservation groups tell the EUB it must conduct extensive environmental assessments of additional mining planned for Caw Ridge. The groups argue that the EUB let the mining company evade proper assessment by permitting expansion of open pit mine without comprehensive assessments and pubic hearings.

Jan 13: SRCL holds an open house in Grande Cache to review plans for the proposed No. 7 underground mine at Mount Hamel, the No. 11 Surface mine extension, and the No. 12 Mine South B2 extension modifications.

A Caw Ridge pre-inquiry meeting is held in Edmonton. Following the meeting, the Energy and Utilities Board notifies the various concerned parties that it has decided to defer consideration of the inquiry pending the outcome of court proceedings connected to the possible sale of Smoky River Coal Ltd.

Under CCAA, the Court appointed monitor undertakes an action process to effect the sale of SRCL and its assets.

AWA and CPAWS are denied a hearing in regards to the Smoky River Coal Ltd. proposed extension to the B2 pit. Instead, the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) offers to hold an inquiry to examine development options in Caw Ridge. In response, AWA expresses discontent at the attitude of the EUB, which it feels is dismissive of public interest groups. AWA offers to participate in the suggested inquiry only if (1) it is broadened to include AWA’s full range of concerns, (2) AWA is considered a full partner in the development of the Terms of Reference, and (3) there is written commitment that the inquiry’s findings will be acted upon.

Oct. 18: The EUB approves the application from SRCL to amend existing license in respect to proposed extension of surface Mine South B2 pit and associated external waste dump. The EUB believes that the proposed extension is logical from a coal resource perspective and will not pose any significant incremental affect to the environment beyond that presented by the original B2 pit development proposal.

Oct. 15: SRCL receives No. 12 Mine South B2 Extension EPEA approval under EPEA Approval issued by Alberta Environment. B2 Phase 1 mine area was reviewed and approved through Alberta Environmental as part of the No. 12 Mine South B2 project.

Oct. 5: Brain Bildson sends a letter to the EUB outlining a meeting he had with SRCL. SRCL discussed with him their on going water quality problems and uncertainly of effective caribou management. Brian stresses he is directly effected by the expansion of B2 pit Mine 12 as he has a trap line in the area. He would also like a public hearing.

In a letter to various interested parties, the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) notes that concerned responses were received from several groups in regards to the application from Smoky River Coal Ltd. to extend a surface mine. However, the EUB believes that the mine extension does not “pose any significant incremental affect to the environment,” nor are any of the groups directly and adversely affected by the development. The EUB therefore approves the application without a hearing.

AWA submits formal complaint over SRCL extension of B2 pit to EUB:

• The piecemeal approach of SRCL to gain access to more coal on the slopes and top of Caw Ridge while attempting to avoid a federal hearing.
• Lack of notification to interested parties regarding application and despite AWA having a long history of concern and activities involving Caw Ridge.
• AWA wants SRCL application to be recognised for what it really is, a new mine and that a full and proper hearing be convened to examine it.

Weyco notifies Vern Ambush of Smoky River Coal Ltd. to express continuing concern over the cumulative effects assessment process related to the Red Rock/Prairie Creek caribou herd. He states his disappointment that SRCL did not adopt the new restrictive practices adopted by Weyco to integrate caribou habitat requirements into forest management. Weyco states their commitment to maintaining habitat for mountain caribou.

SRCL seeking partner to bail it out of $75 million dollar long term debts and $15 million short term debts. SRCL is put under creditor protection.

AWA writes Rod Dempster, Vice President of Weyerhaeuser (Weyco) to contest massive clearcuts in the region of Caw Ridge-Copton Ridge Kakwa River (massive cut blocks planned for Daniel Creek basin between Copton Ridge and Kakwa River).

• AWA argued that the activity threatens the endangered mountain caribou and other public resources.
• AWA asked that Weyco seize clearcutting in the area immediately. Additionally, Weyco should:
  • Adopt a policy of maximum road density, and
  • Undertake a full cumulative impact assessment of all impacts already in region

Nov: The AEAB conducts a preliminary meeting in Edmonton with Alberta Justice and Brian Bildson to address whether the EUB adequately dealt with Mr. Bildson’s concerns raised in his appeal regarding SRCL’s B2 pit extension. This preliminary meeting gives both sides the opportunity to outline legal and factual arguments to the AEAB on whether the EUB’s decision to issue an amendment permit and amendment approvals addressed matters raised in Mr. Bildson’s appeal. Each party is permitted to speak for one hour and followed by Board questions

Oct: The Alberta Environmental Appeal Board (AEAB) concludes that Brian Bildson has proven he is directly affected by the AEP approvals he is appealing, i.e. approvals allowing SRCL to extend existing surface mine (B2) and approval for wastewater discharge from mine. The Board will proceed with preliminary meeting on whether they should consider his appeal in light of previous EUB proceedingsAug: SRCL is put under creditor protection for 90 days to tackle SRCL’s $75 million dollar long term debt and their $15 million short term debts. SRCL begins seeking a partner to assuming half the company’s debt in exchange for receiving the majority of ownership in the company.

July: SRCL placed under Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) protection by its secured lenders. This is to facilitate compromises and arrangements between companies and their creditors.

March: SRCL submits a Deficiency Response to EUB (from February 1998 request). The EUB sends letters to interested parties acknowledging they consider SRCL application complete. The EUB does not believe any interested parties would be directly and adversely affected by the development. Therefore, the EUB will make a decision on the application without a public hearing.

Feb: The EUB makes a second request for supplemental information from SRCL regarding B2 pit extension.

Dec: Sam Gunsch (CPAWS) and Vivian Pharis (AWA) meet with Larry Brock (director) and Dennis Eriksen of Environmental Protection Agency regarding reclamation of Caw Ridge.

September: AWA and other environmental groups oppose SRCL’s No. 12 Mine South B2 pit extension:

• The mine expansion would threaten wildlife.
• SRCL has started road construction without government approval,
  - AWA calling for public hearings aimed at preserving the area against future commercial development.
• SRCL says that jobs will be lost if the expansion does not occur, however the groups argue that coal is finite and jobs will eventually be lost.
• The groups want government to stop development in the area until the entire mine proposal has been subjected to an environmental review including public hearings
• AWA visit Caw Ridge and the proposed mine site.
• Bulldozers have already made extensive roads across the valley and slopes of Caw Ridge.
• An AWA press release criticizes the Alberta Government for allowing exploration and development prior to public environmental review assessment hearings or mine approval.

July: The EUB and Alberta Environmental Protection notify SRCL that they require supplemental information for their application for a permit and license for the No.12 Mine South B2 extension project.

• This proposed extension involves the opening a new pit (B2) south of current operations east of Caw ridge.
• SRCL repackaged original application of the B2 pits C - F, into the Mine No. 12 B2 Pit Extension, which would still consist of pits C - F. If the SRCL applies for the B2 pits separately and renames it the B2 extension of Mine 12, they would avoid triggering a federal review and get the mine underway. They already have approval for Mine 12 B pit.
• The coal production from B2 will be approximately 6 million tonnes.
• The B2 extension will require a 2.5 km2 area including the construction of access roads, waste disposal dumps and mining pit excavation. The B2 extension will allow the company to sustain current surface mine production levels as the existing B pit is almost exhausted of resource.
• Mining operations will be continuous 24hours a day, seven days a week.
• Excerpts from the application indicate that with exception of highwalls and lake pits, the B2 project area will be revegetated during reclamation with mix of native grasses, legumes, trees and shrubs.
• Despite reclamation, SRCL acknowledges that although caribou are threatened, it is unlikely that, in the short term, caribou habitat will be provided since caribou rely heavily on mature habitat and are traditional in habitat use.
• The expansion is deemed not to require an approval under Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

March: Alberta Environmental Protection notifies SRCL specifying that the proposed No. 12 South B2 extension Pit project (without the C - F pits) will require an EIA report to be completed.

Feb: SRCL withdraws the application to the EUB for the proposed C - F coal pits. SRCL plans to submit a new application only for the No. 12 South B2 pit extension. This withdrawal of the C - F application is thought to have been due to the complexity of a federal review. SRCL reapplied for approval of the first of the new pits; “the B2 extension pit”. SRCL applied for this project as an extension of Mine No.12 for which the company already has approval. In doing so the company does not trigger a joint federal/provincial review of the application for the first pit (C) of the new mine and would set a precedent for the approval of the remaining C - F pits.

• Maps presented in EIA do not clearly show intended information, are difficult to read, lack legends of do not clearly show project components in relation to environmental component that is being considered.
• The report requires a concise summary of detailed discussions in each section of report.
• The company must describe plans for caribou monitoring over the life of project and outline plans to modify program including evaluation of alternative routes over Caw Ridge.
• Further description and clarification on the extent of disturbance on Caw Ridge.
• Discuss the implications of development on recreational activities.
• Further discussion on the constraints of reclamation and the time required to reclaim areas to a vegetation community similar to non disturbed areas.

July: SRCL files a Deficiency Response for the C - F pit project with EUB to address the information request from the EUB in June 1996.

June: The EUB notifies SRCL that the application for amendment (extension) of a permit to include the No. 12 Mine South C - F pit is incomplete. Prior to processing the application, they require further information.

In addition to approvals sought through this permit application, a number of related regulatory approvals are required to develop the No. 12 Mine South C - F project. These include:

• A mine license for each individual proposed pit and external dump
• Conservation and reclamation approval plans for pits, dumps and roads
• Permits and licenses to intercept and divert surface drainages and construct settling ponds
• The exploration in C - F permit area consists of 162 holes drilled over a period of 25 years from 1971 to 1995
• Total clearing within the project area would be 784ha
• The development of the No. 12 Mine South C - F project will require the clearing of approximately 141 ha of land

Other major concerns of this project for wildlife include:

• Mountain caribou
  • a threatened species under the Provincial Wildlife Act
  • Caw Ridge and adjacent area is home to Alberta’s largest caribou population, the Redrock/Prairie Creek herd
  • Caw Ridge is used by the herd during both spring and fall migration
  • Disruption of migration is most detrimental in spring when cows are pregnant and the caribou are more vulnerable to predation.
  • Caribou are at risk from the cumulative impacts as they face increasing pressure from other resource development activities in the region including forestry and oil and gas development
• Mountain Goats
  • 110 mountain goats inhabit Caw Ridge, representing on of largest population in the province
  • This population has been studies extensively since 1990
  • Most of the goat’s range is found in the west part of Caw Ridge, outside of the proposed mining area, however a well used salt lick falls within the F pit extension area
  • When disturbed, goats often climb to higher ground rather than run away. Persistent disturbance can serious affect the goats if they are unable to climb to alternate locations therefore exposing them to predators.
  • The effects of blasting can be serious due to sudden noise
  • The impact to goats is worse in the winter due to limited habitat availability. The goat’s preferred winter habitat lies adjacent to the proposed F pit.
  • The project area is a Class 2 and 3 winter range of importance to elk and sheep. Goat ranges are found to the west of the project area and there are caribou migration routes through the project area. During operations of C - F pits, some animals will be displaced from their habitats and others including moose, elk, bighorn sheep and deer will be required to alter existing movement patterns.

SRCL says No. 12 Mine South extension C - F pits are important to the long term survival of mine and that the company can mine without harming wildlife. As part of this project, SRCL will establish drift fences to direct migrating caribou to other migration routes, educate employees about caribou and establish a caribou response team to monitor movements of the animals, modify development, particularly blasting to cause less stress on the migrating caribou, reclaim the migrating routes and continue caribou research to monitor the impact of the mine.

March: SRCL submits the “Proposed Terms of Reference” to Alberta Environmental Protection for the No. 12 Mine South C - F Pits.

Feb 17: SRCL is informed by Alberta Environmental Protection that the company must submit an EIA report for the No. 12 mine South C - F pit project.

• SRCL proposes to extend the existing No. 12 Mine South to include the C - F surface pits.
• These four surface pits would be developed in sequence to replace current surface mining operations at the No. 12 Mine South A and B pits.
• The C - F pits would provide 39 millions tonnes of coal over 13 years.
• The C - F pits are located along Caw Ridge whereas the current No. 12 B surface pits operate adjacent (east) of Caw Ridge.
• Extending the No. 12 mine along Caw Ridge would allow SRCL to diversity its markets as coal along the Ridge is easily accessible making mining more efficient.

Jan: SRCL submits a Preliminary Disclosure document to the Province of Alberta outlining its intention to develop coal resources within an extension to the Mine 12 project area, called the B2 pit.

June: The ERCB grants SRCL a permit to drill holes to depths greater than 150m for exploration purposes in the No. 7 mine area, a licence to construct an external mine discard dump and a licence to operate a surface coal mine at No. 7.

May: Mountain caribou relocation project initiated by Alberta Fish and wildlife to capture and place radio collars on mountain goats for study.

Jan: ERCB grants SRCL amendment of license to extend their mining activity east of existing operations.

Aug 25: The ERCB approves SRCL’s application for a permit for a coal excavation program for exploration purposes in the Copton Creek area.

A section of Kakwa is designated a Wildland Recreation Area.

Jan: SRCL plans to extend mining operations to Smoky River No. 12 Mine South, located west of existing operations. The No. 12 mine south lies within 5 coal leases held by SRCL and totals ~ 2240ha in size. SRCL submits application for No. 12 Mine South to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB)

Oct: Dwindling coal prices and sales lead McIntyre Mines to consider selling their Smoky River Coal operations as they report losses of 6.6 million dollars compared to their profit of 8.5 million dollars in 1984.

The revised Eastern Slopes Policy delineates two zones within Kakwa, a Prime Protection Zone and a General Recreation Zone.

In response to the mine’s temporary closure, the Municipal government debates the establishment of other tourist/recreation development for the Grande Cache area to increase economic outlook. They propose “Kananaskis II.” The first phase of this project would include the construction of a golf course with a view of the Willmore Wilderness Park.

AWA receives a letter from Douglas Rae, barrister, regarding McIntyre’s expansion of No. 9 mine. He expresses concern over the lack of discussion on the environmental aspects of expansion and McIntyre’s reclamation procedures. He is worried about impact on watersheds from poorly reclaimed sloped areas. He is asking that an environmental interest group intervene in the formal ERCB hearing to assess McIntyre’s project.

The Eastern Slopes Policy for resource management of the Eastern Slopes, including Kakwa, is created.

Kakwa is nominated as a candidate to become a provincial park.

A policy for integrated resource management is released.

• McIntyre operations are unsightly, contribute to water quality degradation, and destroy ungulate range and timber.
• There is a strong public opposition to unrestricted motorised all terrain vehicle use in the area.
• Coal mining has historically conflicted with other land uses.
• Grizzlies and caribou are becoming scarce in Smoky River basin.
• Recommends search for coal on eastern slopes be stopped due to ecological damage and coal exploration proceed on an “as-needed” basis: “ …it is time to restrict any further exploration or extraction (of coal) until we are certain that we will not permanently destroy the other resource potentials.”

• No. 9 mine stated as having the best coking coal in Canada
• At the proceedings, of the six interveners, 4 supported the application. The Alberta Fish and Game Association and St. Albert and District Fish and Game Association opposed the application on conservation grounds and claimed McIntyre Mines failed to provide adequate ecological background info. The groups filed an intervention with the Board.
• No.9 Mine would be situated on crown land and would be 12m2 in size of a north-westerly trending ridge.
• The entire proposal would cover 290 acres
• The area of No. 9 would range in elevation from 3350 feet in northeast corner of Sheep Creek to 5500 ft in central portion of area
• The area supports vegetation comprised primarily of lodge pole pine and black spruce with minor occurrence of black polar and willow.

The No. 9 Mine is proposed to replace coal production from the existing No. 8 open pit mine whose reserves were expected to be exhausted in 1974
Approximately 1.3 million tons of raw coal would be mined over 6.4 years (initial operation period). Coal would be moved to processing plant where 880,000 tons of clean coal would be produced.

• This clean coal would supplement the production of metallurgical coal from McIntyre underground mine No.2 for foreign markets
• A portion for extracted coal from the processing plant would go towards fuelling the H.R. Milner Generation Station operated by Alberta Power Limited.
• Reclamation of the mining area would restore the entire effected land surface to a quality consistent with natural regime of surrounding wilderness area
  • Land surface was expected to support regrowth and resist erosion by surface run-off
  • Topsoil stockpiled to later dress graded discard material piles

The ERCB identified the main mine issues as:

• Conservation and recovery of coal
• Safety of mining operation
• Environmental impacts
  • Air pollution
  • Water
  • Land
• Bearing of the proposal on continued mining operations at Grand Cache
• Public interest

ERCB Decision: The Board concluded McIntyre No.9 Mine:

• Conforms with sound coal conservation practices
• Can be implemented without jeopardizing safety
• Unlikely to create unacceptable impact to quality of air, water and land in or near mining area.
• The Coal Mine regulations grant McIntyre the application permit for the development of No.9

The Wild Kakwa Society, a group of concerned citizens based in Grand Prairie, is formed to lobby for protection of the area.

McIntyre Coal Mines Ltd. opens the Smoky River mine field to serve Japanese customers and meet demand. The field is estimated to support 353 million tonnes of coal. 11 coal seams are identified ranging in thickness from 2-3 feet to 25 feet thick.

McIntyre Porcupine Mines Ltd. is granted a mining permit for mining on Caw Ridge.

The Town of Grande Cache is developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s to accommodate the 1,500 workforce of McIntyre Mines Ltd. The town has about 4000 people.