Environment and Parks
For the most up-to-date information on Mount Polley please visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca
To see photos from Likely, B.C., click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/
LATEST NEWS:
Public invited to comment on Mount Polley long-term water plan - October 25, 2016
British Columbians are invited to comment on Mount Polley Mining Corporation’s (MPMC) plans for long-term water management of the site. The permit application will go through a 30-day public-consultation period, as well as a comprehensive technical review by the Cariboo Mine Development Review Committee.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016ENV0057-002087
British Columbia now a global leader on mine tailings storage regulations - August 03, 2016
Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett issued a statement regarding the two-year anniversary of the Mount Polley tailings dam breach that occurred Aug. 4, 2014.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016MEM0018-001393
AUDIO:
Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - Minister of Environment Mary Polak released the end of phase one report which outlined the significant progress made on environmental mitigation and remediation at the Mount Polley mine site.
Thursday, July 9, 2015 - Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett announced that after careful evaluation, statutory decision-makers with the ministries of Energy and Mines and Environment have conditionally authorized the Mount Polley Mine Corporation to begin restricted operations.
Tuesday, February 11, 2015 - Minister Bill Bennett provides update on implementation of recommendations by the independent panel that investigated the tailing storage facility failure.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak and staff provide information on the first phase of a long-term remediation plant for the area impacted by the Mount Polley breach.
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Friday, August 29, 2014
Jennifer McGuire of the Ministry of Environment and Interior Health medical health officer Dr. Trevor Corneil provide update on the latest sediment testing related to the Mount Polley mine tailings pond breach.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak, Jennifer McGuire of the Ministry of Environment and Dr. Sue Pollack, Medical health officer for Interior Health discuss test results of fish samples and deep water quality test results from Polley and Quesnel Lakes.
Monday, August 18, 2014
The Government of British Columbia, with the support of the Soda Creek Indian Band (Xats’ull First Nation) and Williams Lake Indian Band, has ordered an independent engineering investigation and inquiry into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, and independent third-party reviews of all 2014 Dam Safety Inspections for every tailings pond at a permitted mine in the province.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak, Jennifer McGuire of the Ministry of Environment and Interior Health senior medical health officer Dr. Andrew Larder discuss the results of sediment samples taken on Aug. 10, 2014, from the mouth of Hazeltine Creek and near Raft Creek in Quesnel Lake.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak, Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett, Dr. Trevor Corneil with Interior Health, Jennifer McGuire with Ministry of Environment and All Richmond, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District provide an update on the latest water sample results and potential impacts on fish and wildlife.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak, Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett, Dr. Trevor Corneil with Interior Health, Jennifer McGuire with Ministry of Environment and All Richmond, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District provide update on the Mount Polley incident and the latest water sample results.
https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/162467972&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true
Friday, August 8, 2014
Environment Minister Mary Polak, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District Al Richmond and Dr. Trevor Corneil with Interior Health provide an update on lifting the water ban in the specific areas in the region.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Premier Christy Clark, Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett, Minister of Environment Mary Polak, Jennifer McGuire and Dr. Trevor Corneil provide updates on water samples and further clean up measures.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Al Richmond, Cariboo Regional Chair provide update on the Mount Polley tailings pond breach in Williams Lake. Jennifer McGuire from the Ministry of Environment provides update on further clean up measures.
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NEWS RELEASES
Statutory decision makers authorize Mt. Polley Mine return to full production - Thursday, June 23, 2016
Statutory decision makers with the Ministry of Energy and Mines have authorized the Mount Polley Mining Corporation to return to full roduction using the repaired and strengthened tailings storage facility (TSF) to manage tailings.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016MEM0014-001129
Public invited to comment on Mount Polley environmental impact report - Tuesday, June 21, 2016
British Columbians have 30-days to comment on Mount Polley Mining Corporation’s Post Event Environmental Impact Assessment Report (PEEIAR).
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016ENV0039-001106
Government takes action on Chief Inspector of Mines’ recommendations - Thursday, December 17, 2015
In response to the findings and recommendations of the Chief Inspector of Mines’ (CIM) investigation into the tailings storage facility (TSF) at Mount Polley Mine in August 2014, Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett announced that government will introduce new regulations and requirements that will make British Columbia a national and international leader in safety standards for tailings storage facilities.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015MEM0030-002119
Mount Polley short-term discharge permit approved - Monday, November 30, 2015
After thorough public consultation, the Province has approved Mount Polley Mining Corporation’s application for a short-term permit to treat and then discharge water outside of the mine site.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015ENV0076-001994
Province releases phase one progress report on Mount Polley remediation - Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Over the last year, significant progress has been made on environmental mitigation and remediation at the Mount Polley mine site which is outlined in the end of phase one progress report released by Environment Minister Mary Polak.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015ENV0047-001195
Province authorizes restricted re-start for Mount Polley Mine - Thursday, July 9, 2015
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett and Minister of Environment Mary Polak announced today that after careful evaluation, statutory decision-makers with the ministries of Energy and Mines and Environment have conditionally authorized the Mount Polley Mine Corporation to begin restricted operations.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/province-authorizes-restricted-re-start-for-mount-polley-mine
Government appoints Mining Code Review Committee members - Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett appointed a Code Review Committee pursuant to section 34 of the Mines Act that will determine how best to implement seven recommendations stemming from and Independent Expert Engineering Panel's investigation into the Aug. 4, 2014, tailings pond breach at the Mount Polley Mine in Northwest B.C.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/government-appoints-mining-code-review-committee-members
Public asked to comment on Mount Polley report - Monday, June 22, 2015
With significant public input having been received on the restart application by Mount Polley Mine Corporation and a decision expected shortly, public input is now being sought to help ensure the company has the foremost remediation and restoration plan in place by early next year for the longer term.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/public-asked-to-comment-on-mount-polley-report
Province implements post-Mount Polley requirements in environmental assessment - Thursday, March 19, 2015
The Environmental Assessment Office is taking steps to ensure the safety of tailings management facilities at proposed mines in British Columbia.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/03/province-implements-post-mount-polley-requirements-in-environmental-assessment.html
Update on independent panel recommendations - Tuesday, February 11, 2015
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett provided an update on the actions that government is taking to implement the recommendations of the independent panel that investigated the Mount Polley tailings storage facility failure. Government is committed to implementing all of the panel’s recommendations.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/02/update-on-independent-panel-recommendations.html
Government takes action on Independent Panel Recommendations - Friday, January 30
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett has announced that government will act immediately on key recommendations of the independent panel that investigated the Mount Polley tailings storage facility (TSF) failure and launch a code review to consider the other recommendations.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/01/government-takes-action-on-independent-panel-recommendations.htmll
Latest Mount Polley water sample results - Tuesday, January 13, 2014
The latest water samples collected from Quesnel River off the Likely Bridge between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2014, and Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry Bridge between Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 2014, are consistent with previous results.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/01/latest-mount-polley-water-quality-samples.html
Latest Mount Polley water sample results - Tuesday, December 2, 2014
The latest water samples from Quesnel River off the the Likely Bridge on Nov. 19, 2014, are consistent with previous results.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/12/latest-mount-polley-water-sample-results-3.html
Province releases progress report on Mount Polley remediation - Monday, November 24, 2014
The first phase of a long-term remediation plan for the area impacted by the Mount Polley breach focuses on human health and environmental safety through the winter and spring, to June 2015.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/11/province-releases-progress-report-on-mount-polley-remediation.html
Latest Mount Polley soil and sediment results - Thursday, November 20, 2014
Soil and sediment samples collected along Hazeltine Creek by Mount Polley Mining Corporation between Sept. 3 and Oct. 3, 2014, are consistent with samples taken by the Ministry of Environment on Sept. 4, 2014.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/11/mount-polley-sediment-samples-in-hazeltine-creek.html/eemp/incidents/2014/mount-polley.htm
Latest Mount Polley water sample and fish tissue results - Friday, November 7, 2014
The latest water samples from Quesnel Lake and Hazeltine Creek are consistant with previous results and water located outside the impact area remains safe to drink.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/11/latest-mount-polley-water-sample-and-fish-tissue-results.html
Latest Mount Polley fish tissue results - Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Results from fish tissue collected from Quesnel Lake between Aug. 27 and Sept. 3, 2014, are below the human consumption guidelines for selenium and mercury and remain safe to eat. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/10/latest-mount-polley-fish-tissue-results.html
Latest Mount Polley water sample results - October 9, 2014
The latest water samples from Quesnel Lake and Quesnel River are consistent with previous results and Interior Health reaffirms water located outside the impact zone remains safe to drink.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/10/latest-mount-polley-water-sample-results-2.html
Mount Polley plankton results - Tuesday, October 7
Phytoplankton and zooplankton samples collected from Quesnel Lake between Aug. 8 and 13, 2014 are consistent with plankton samples in other similar large, deep lakes indicating the overall concentrations found are typical of large lakes with low levels of nutrients.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/10/mount-polley-plankton-results.html
Latest Mount Polley sediment results - Wednesday, September 24, 2014
The latest testing on sediment samples taken by Ministry of Environment staff from the Mount Polley mine site and Hazeltine Creek are consistent with previous sample results.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/mount-polley-sediment-results.html
Latest Mount Polley water sample results - Thursday, September 18, 2014
The latest water samples from Quesnel Lake and Quesnel River are consistent with previous results and Interior Health reaffirms the water located outside the “Do Not Use” area remains safe to drink.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/latest-mount-polley-water-sample-results-1.html
Mount Polley fish tissue results consistent with provincial data - Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Results from fish tissue collected from Quesnel Lake on Aug. 9 and 10, 2014, are consistent with provincial background data collected from 54 uncontaminated lakes across the province, indicating no health concern.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/mount-polley-fish-tissue-results-consistent-with-provincial-data.html
Advisory letter issued to Mount Polley - Tuesday, September 9, 2014
On Sept. 4, 2014, the Mount Polley mining facility was inspected by staff from the Ministry of Environment and was found to be out of compliance with the Environmental Management Act (EMA) because effluent was still discharging from the tailings storage facility into Hazeltine Creek.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/advisory-letter-issued-to-mount-polley.html
Latest Mount Polley water sample results - Wednesday, September 3, 2014
The latest water samples from Quesnel Lake and Quesnel River are consistent with previous results and Interior Health reaffirms the water in the area is safe to drink.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/latest-mount-polley-water-sample-results.html
Mount Polley sediment and water-quality results - Friday, August 28, 2014
Testing continues on sediment samples and water-quality samples taken by Ministry of Environment staff.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-sediment-and-water-quality-results.html
Latest Mount Polley water-quality results - Monday, August 25, 2014
Water samples taken from Quesnel Lake on Aug. 13 by Ministry of Environment staff have been tested and continue to meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines at shallower depths where drinking water is typically sourced from. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/latest-mount-polley-water-quality-results.html
Mount Polley fish-testing and water-quality results - Friday, August 22, 2014
Testing continues on samples taken from Polley and Quesnel lakes. Several fish have been tested and deep water-quality testing has occurred. The following results are to be expected, given the location and pose no human health risk. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-fish-testing-and-water-quality-results.html
First Nations and government partner on response to Mt. Polley Mine breach - Monday, August 18, 2014
Williams Lake Indian Band and the Soda Creek Indian Band (Xatśūll First Nation) signed a letter of understanding with the Government of British Columbia to work in partnership to address all aspects of the breach of the tailings storage facility that occurred at the Mount Polley Mine on Aug. 4, 2014.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/first-nations-and-government-partner-on-response-to-mt-polley-mine-breach.html
Independent expert engineering review launched following Mount Polley dam breach - Monday, August 18, 2014
The Government of British Columbia, with the support of the Soda Creek Indian Band (Xats’ull First Nation) and Williams Lake Indian Band, has ordered an independent engineering investigation and inquiry into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, and independent third-party reviews of all 2014 Dam Safety Inspections for every tailings pond at a permitted mine in the province.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/independent-expert-engineering-review-launched-following-mount-polley-dam-breach.html
Mount Polley sediment sample results - Saturday, August 16, 2014
Sediment samples taken on Aug. 10, 2014, from the mouth of Hazeltine Creek and near Raft Creek in Quesnel Lake show that the sediment poses no human health risk. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-sediment-sample-results.html
Mount Polley water samples continue to meet drinking water guidelines - Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Water samples taken on Aug. 9, 2014, from three locations in the Quesnel River and Quesnel Lake have been tested and confirm that all samples, once again, meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-water-samples-continue-to-meet-drinking-water-guidelines.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update-5.html
Mt. Polley water and fish sample testing yield encouraging results - Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Water samples taken by Ministry of Environment staff from the southeast corner of Polley Lake on Aug. 7 and 8, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels taken prior to the Aug. 4, 0214, tailings pond breach.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mt-polley-water-and-fish-sample-testing-yield-encouraging-results.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update-4.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Monday, August 11, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update-3.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Sunday, August 10, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update-2.html
Mt. Polley water samples continue to meet drinking water guidelines - Saturday, August 9, 2014
Water samples taken from the shore of Polley Lake on Aug. 7, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels prior to the Aug. 4, 2014, tailing pond breach at Imperial Mines.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mt-polley-water-samples-continue-to-meet-drinking-water-guidelines.html
Mount Polley tailing pond situation update - Saturday, August 9, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/01/government-takes-action-on-independent-panel-recommendations.html
Status update on Mt. Polley mine tailing pond breach - Friday, August 8, 2014
The following is the latest information from the Ministry of Environment with regards to the Mt. Polley mine tailings pond breach. Water samples taken from five locations in Quesnel River on Aug. 5, 2014, have been tested and confirm all samples meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines for a second straight day. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/status-update-on-mt-polley-mine-tailings-pond-breach.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Friday, August 8, 2014
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett has announced that government will act immediately on key recommendations of the independent panel that investigated the Mount Polley tailings storage facility (TSF) failure and launch a code review to consider the other recommendations.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/friday-aug-8---mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Thursday, August 7, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/thursday-aug-7---mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update.html
Mount Polley tailings pond situation update - Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Government and Cariboo Regional District officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-tailings-pond-situation-update.html
Mount Polley mine ordered to clean up - Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The operator of the Mount Polley mine has been ordered by the Ministry of Environment to take immediate action to stop the further release of mine tailings into nearby waterways from the Aug. 4, 2014, impoundment facility dam breach, and to submit environmental impact assessments and clean-up action plans to the ministry.
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/mount-polley-mine-ordered-to-clean-up.html
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, responds to Mt. Polley Mine Incident - Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett made the following statement today in response to the mine tailing pond incident at Mt. Polley Mine: “In the early morning of August 4, 2014, the tailings pond dam at the Mt. Polley Mine site breached and released an estimated 10 million cubic metres of water and 4.5 million cubic metres of fine sand into Polley Lake. Hazeltine Creek flows out of Polley Lake, and the flow may have continued into Quesnel Lake. http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/08/bill-bennett-minister-of-energy-and-mines-responds-to-mt-polley-mine-incident.html
