Input on Request for Designation

Dear Hon. Steven Guilbeau,

I am writing today to request that you designate Coalspur’s Vista coal mine expansion projects for a Federal impact assessment. I am concerned that the environmental risks of this mine expansion render any other benefits that could come from the project meaningless.

As you are aware Canada, among the international community, is facing a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis. Projects like Coalspur’s Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project and the Vista Underground Mine Project must be carefully evaluated for impacts on areas of federal jurisdiction.

The Coalspur Vista mine has not yet undergone a federal review. Prior assessments have found that the expansion projects warranted federal review due to their unacceptable environmental effects.

The Vista mine expansion is a threat to two at-risk native trout species in Alberta: Athabasca Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout. Both populations in the area are in decline. The mine expansion includes a proposal for open pit thermal coal extraction directly in habitat for Athabasca Rainbow Trout, a native trout species that is listed as Endangered under the Species At Risk Act. Habitat disturbance from industrial development is one of the primary threats to the recovery of this species. Additionally, current water usage, run-off, and waste management plans from the Vista mine expansion project proposal raises concerns regarding contamination risks of downstream sub watersheds containing populations of both Athabasca Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout.

Native trout in Alberta depend on streams and waters that are cool, clean, and clear to feed and reproduce. Changes to water quality, and disturbance of streambeds are detrimental to trout survival and recovery. Coalspur’s Vista mine is responsible for unauthorized water releases that occurred in 2023 from heavy rain. This is unacceptable and calls further into question the viability of trout populations should the expansion be approved.

I urge you to designate the Coalspur Vista Mine expansions for Federal Review. Canada has made international commitments to climate action and nature conservation, including a commitment to stop the export of thermal coal by 2030 and by acting as o-founder of the Power Past Coal Alliance. Allowing this mine to proceed runs contrary to commitments to act on climate change, and to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Thank you for recognizing the importance of this issue.

Sincerely,

Kaitlyn Philip