Northback Holding’s response to AWA’s concerns is insufficient
June 26, 2026
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On June 1, 2026, AWA wrote to the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to put it on the regulatory record that Northback’s response to our Statement of Concern on its application for a water licence for the Grassy Mountain Coal mine was insufficient. Northback avoids directly addressing the concerns raised by AWA by stating that any additional information required “will be included in the Project’s forthcoming integrated application.” Northback’s Application never specifies how the water will ultimately be used or why it requires the Water Term Licence ahead of this forthcoming integrated application.
AWA reiterated to the AER that critical information is missing from Northback’s Water Term Licence Application, which prevents the AER from making a fully informed decision. Northback’s Application is incomplete and should not be assessed.
AWA’s letter can be read in full here:
20260601_lt_awa_to_aer_re_northback_response_to_soc_water_term_licence_application_33861749_33861750