| ID |
1942 |
| Citation |
Fisher, J., C. Morita, D. Paslawski, and P. Saso. March 11, 2013. Current Status of Selenium in the Elk Valley. File: 44500-30/Line Ck Phase II. Ministry of Environment. Environmental Protection Division Kootenay-Boundary and Okanagan Regions. |
| Organization |
Ministry of Environment |
| URL |
https://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/documents/p352/d35446/1363906229226_bc21aaf25d3dd6460f67be9f42e2a296eb2d5ac451e089e0dcec7002db27908a.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Environmental Quality Section review of the current status of Selenium (Se) levels within the Elk Valley has revealed the following key issues: Existing selenium (Se) water concentrations are substantially over water quality guidelines and the full extent of current effects from coal mining are unknown. Se concentrations within the water column have reached levels where future water uses are compromised. Se concentrations have been increasing within the water column and aquatic biota tissue for the last 17 years. Tissue levels are high enough in some biota to have negative reproductive effects. The westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) population and/or other sensitive fish species are likely to be most at risk from selenium impacts. However,WCT has not been confirmed as the species most sensitive to increases in Se concentration. Downstream lentic areas are particularly sensitive for selenium uptake and have not been fully assessed. Despite relatively low Se concentrations in water, fish have accumulated Se levels in muscle tissue that are above screening values for moderate and high fish consumers. Localized Se effects are likely occurring in the most exposed areas on amphibians and birds. Limited information was available to assess the risk to drinking water users. Se concentrations are currently at safe levels in municipal wells in Sparwood and Elkford, there is evidence that Se concentrations are elevated and likely influenced by coal mining activity. Limited information was available to assess the risk to fish consumers. A preliminary evaluation of fish muscle tissue indicates that Se concentrations are over human health screening values for moderate and high intake consumers at a number of lentic areas within the watershed. |
| Information Type |
Report |
| Regional Watershed |
Elk River |
| Sub-watershed if known |
Dry Creek; Upper Fording River |
| Aquifer # |
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| Comments |
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| Project status |
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| Contact Name |
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| Contact Email |
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