Quesnel Mine Tailings Spill Forces Emergency Water Use Ban

BC Mine's Tailings Pond Breach Forces Emergency Water Use Ban

by Damien Gillis - The Canadian

The apparent breach of a tailings pond connected Imperial Metals’ Mount Polley Mine, near Likely, BC, has led to an emergency water ban from The Cariboo Regional District. The following update was issued by the district on its Emergency Operations facebook page this morning:

The Cariboo Regional District has received the following information from the Helicopter reconnaissance taken this morning.

A small amount of debris backed into Polley Lake. The main slurry flow went down Hazletine Creek where it meets Quesnel Lake. The slurry and a large debris pile appear to be stationary at this point. Hazleton Creek was originally about 4 feet wide and is now up to 150 ft. wide.

Waterways affected by this event include Quesnel Lake, Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek and Cariboo Creek. Additionally the Horsefly Likely Forest Service Road (Ditch Road) has been washed out at Hazeltine Creek. The Likely Bridge is not affected at this time.

A water-use ban remains in place and includes recreational water activities, bathing, and drinking etc. Everyone in this area should use bottled water until further notice.

For accurate and up to date information, please visit the Cariboo Regional District’s Emergency Operations Facebook page at facebook.com/CRDemergencyoperations or the CRD web site at cariboord.ca.

A public information line has been established at 250-398-5581.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.