October 12, 2012

The updated draft BC Water Quality Guideline (“Draft Guideline”) for sulphate is now open for an external review and public comment.  Please find a link here to the Notice for External Review.

Aquatic sulphate concentrations can occur naturally or as a result of discharges from industrial sources.  These guidelines are relevant to a number of industries operating in British Columbia, including mining, pulp and paper, textile, and tanning.  According to the Draft Guideline, the proposed 30-day average water quality guidelines to protect aquatic life in BC for sulphate are:

Water hardness (mg/L)	Sulphate guideline (mg/L)
Soft (0-17)	115
Slightly hard (18-60)	195
Moderately hard to hard (61-180)	270
Very hard (181-250)	410
>250	Need to determine based on site water

In addition, the proposed water quality guidelines to protect human health and livestock are:

Water Use	Sulphate guideline (mg/L)
Drinking water	500
Agriculture (livestock use)	1,000

The Ministry of Environment will be accepting written review feedback until November 12, 2012.  Participants must submit their comments to Dr. Cindy Meays at .  All submissions must include the reviewer’s name and affiliation (if any).  If you would like any assistance with your submissions or have any follow up questions, we would be happy to help.