With significant public input having been received on the restart application by Mount Polley Mine Corporation (MPMC) 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.
The temporary re-start evaluation process is separate and distinct from the longer-term environmental remediation and restoration process.
The Post Event Environmental Impact Assessment Report is now posted for public comment.
Folks can make their comments at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/incidents/2014/mount-polley/updates.htm#6.
Under the May 27, 2015 amendment of the Aug. 5, 2014 Pollution Abatement Order, MPMC was required to complete the report.
The report outlines the environmental impact as a result of the Aug. 4, 2014 tailings pond breach. It includes physical, chemical and biological impact information collected from the spill, allowing better understanding and planning for long-term mitigation and restoration.
The report is being presented to First Nations, local community members, regional district representatives and the Environmental Working Group.
Information in this report will help shape Phase 2 – The Remediation and Restoration Phase (RRP) – as the provincial government oversees the planning and implementation of mitigation and offset measures.
The RRP is expected to be developed in early 2016. Remediation efforts and ongoing restoration work in this phase will run through summer 2016 and beyond.
Notable findings in MPMC’s report include:
• Approximately 132 hectares (236 acres) of land were impacted by the spill.
• Approximately 181 hectares (447 acres) of Quesnel Lake bottom are covered by sediment with a depth of up to 10 metres.
• Turbidity levels in Quesnel Lake are near or at normal levels and water quality has improved over time.
Final comments to the environment ministry on this report are due on Sept. 12, 2015.