WCW24

Teck Coal stands as a beacon of environmental sustainability and development in the global mining industry, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to the responsibility of preserving natural ecosystems in which it operates. Central to this commitment is the Water Quality Management in the Elk Valley, aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of mining activities. Of particular interest are the residual rocks containing elements such as selenium and nitrate which are a natural byproduct of the mining process. When carried by water runoff, these elements pose a threat to aquatic health in the local watershed. The innovative water quality management approach by Teck includes the development of a breakthrough passive water treatment technology known as a Saturated Rock Fill (SRF) and the utilization of Active Water Treatment Facilities (AWTFs). Such efforts showcase a multifaceted strategy to addressing the complex environmental challenges posed by mining steelmaking coal. Leading by example with state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and diligent monitoring, Teck Coal achieves an impressive 95% removal of selenium and nitrate, marking a monumental stride towards safeguarding water quality in the Elk Valley. With a notable four-fold increase in treatment capacity to 77.5 million liters per day since 2020, Teck anticipates a stabilization and reduction of selenium trends, aligning with the primary objectives of the Elk Valley Water Quality Management Plan. With two facilities in the Elk Valley, Teck's SRFs treat 50 million litres of water per day utilizing naturally occurring biological processes in former mining pits backfilled with spill rock and saturated with water to remove selenium and nitrate. Within the SRFs, the growth of bacteria strains that efficiently convert selenium into solid forms and nitrate into inert nitrogen gas is promoted. This optimization can enhance the process of selenium removal and storage within the SRF. By harnessing the power of biological processes, Teck's SRF technology offers a sustainable and efficient solution for environmental restoration in mining areas, ensuring the safe release of treated water back into the ecosystem. Teck also operates two AWTFs in the Elk Valley Region that treat 27.5 million litres of water per day. Similar to the SRF pit, Bioreactors house anaerobic bacteria proficient in selenium and nitrate removal from water. Bioreactors in these facilities promote denitrification, the process in which nitrates are converted into nitrogen gas, and the removal of selenium through biological reduction processes. Regular monitoring of influent and effluent water parameters, advanced laboratory technologies and the maintenance of appropriate environmental conditions within the bioreactors and SRF are all crucial components for optimized water quality management within the Elk Valley. Teck stands as a global vanguard in driving forward these advancements, exemplifying leadership through its pioneering efforts in enhancing efficiency, capacity and establishing cost-effective treatment solutions.

Engineering has historically been a technical discipline, but water engineers have the unique opportunity to make a lasting social impact. By expanding our perspective beyond pure technical knowledge, we can integrate critical social, cultural, and human factors into our designs. This holistic approach is essential for creating sustainable solutions that address the diverse needs of communities.
In Colombia, water challenges vary widely – from the contamination of Bogotá's rivers to the severe water shortages in La Guajira. These issues stress the importance of understanding not only the technical problems but also the human context, including local infrastructure, trust, and cultural resilience. For example, while urban centers like Bogotá deal with industrial pollution, rural areas such as Anolaima face challenges related to resource limitations and public engagement. In La Guajira, indigenous communities struggle with water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
By incorporating human factors into technical decision-making, we can develop solutions that are more equitable and enduring. This approach reminds us that clean, accessible water is not just a technical goal but a fundamental human right that connects us all. Through case studies in Colombia, this presentation will demonstrate how water engineers can contribute to resilient, inclusive systems that uplift underserved communities and protect ecosystems.