Water samples taken on Aug. 10, 2014, from Quesnel Lake near the mouth of Hazeltine Creek have been tested and confirm all samples continue to meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines.

Analysis of these samples indicates all results also fall below all BC Aquatic Life Guidelines, meaning there is no expected impact on aquatic life.

Additionally, rainbow trout toxicity test results show water collected from Quesnel Lake near the mouth of Hazeltine Creek on Aug. 5 and 6, 2014, was not toxic to rainbow trout.

In this test, juvenile rainbow trout were held in controlled laboratory water and the Quesnel Lake water, at different strengths of toxicity, for 96 hours. All fish were observed regularly with a 100% survival rate at all concentrations and no unusual behaviour reported.

These test results have been shared with local First Nations, the First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, and the Cariboo Regional District.

The next data update is expected on Saturday pending test results from sediment samples collected from the mouth of Hazeltine Creek in Quesnel Lake. 

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

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834