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.

Due to public safety issues posed by a potential release of further sediment and debris that has built up at Polley Lake, the Ministry of Environment has approved Imperial Metals plan to reduce the water level by constructing a pipeline to Hazeltine Creek which will flow downstream into Quesnel Lake. This water will be tested daily.

Initial water samples have also been taken from the shore of Polley Lake and have been sent for testing. These samples are being taken from the point where water is being diverted to lower the levels in Polley Lake. It is still unsafe to access the lake by boat, to get samples from different depths and locations. However, these surface samples will be a good early indicator of whether or not the water meets drinking water guidelines. These preliminary results are expected over the weekend.

Environment Minister Mary Polak along with Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North, and Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, met with Chiefs of several First Nations from the central interior this morning to discuss next steps in the process and how the Province and First Nations can work together.

The Conservation Officer Service is requesting the public’s assistance in their investigation into the cause of the tailings pond breach. There are six Major Investigation Unit (MIU) investigators currently assigned to the investigation. The COS has full authority to independently handle investigations and forward recommendations for charges directly to provincial crown counsel.

If the public has any information, they are asked to call the Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952-7277 or online at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/rapp/form.htm

More information regarding response to the Mount Polley mine incident can be viewed here: http://wwwt.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/incidents/2014/mount-polley.htm

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834