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 Cindy.Meays@gov.bc.ca. All submissions must include the reviewer's name and affiliation (if any).
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
