WHEREAS there are concerns that mining projects can negatively affect surrounding aquifers; AND WHEREAS many people rely on these aquifers for drinking water: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government conduct comprehensive mapping and modeling of aquifers that may be affected by proposed mines before approving mine projects.
Ministry of Environment Government maps and classifies developed aquifers aquifers currently being utilized as a water supply on an on-going basis to build the inventory of aquifers in BC. More detailed mapping and modelling of aquifers are currently being carried out in priority areas in the east coast of Vancouver Island Parksville-Qualicum area and in the Cowichan River Basin and in northeast BC Dawson Creek area, where groundwater use is high and intensive resource development is ongoing or expected. With respect to impacts on aquifers from proposed mining projects, potential environmental impacts on groundwater related to a proposed mine must be adequately assessed before the permits for mining and the associated discharge of mine waste are issued by government. Large mine projects above a specified tonnage threshold are also subject to an environmental assessment review process. As part of the assessment, baseline information on groundwater, as well as assessment or modeling of potential impacts on groundwater, must be conducted by the proponent to the satisfaction of government before an Environmental Assessment certificate is issued for the proposed mine. Government recognizes the need to continue to improve management and protection of the Provinces groundwater resource, including protecting drinking water aquifers, and has committed to modernizing the Water Act to include provisions to regulate groundwater.