Highlights of an Independent Review of the TAR
We recently received a copy of an independent review of the June 2016 Technical Report.
Written by Russ Hillard, H.BSc and Fisheries Ecologist.
The comments contained in this report very much reflect on the recently released Oct 2016 TAR.
The report discusses the issue of the location of mine discharge and suggests possible "Dry land tailings storage, which is done in other mines in BC and around the world". This option was dismissed outright, being considered too expensive as an option for Mount Polley Mine.
Other comments include,
The potential for long term accumulation of toxic and/or harmful components of the effluent, is not adequately addressed in the TAR.
Impact Assessment
The main constituents of interest of untreated discharge were identified as metals, PH, total suspended solids, nitrate and sulfate. More research is needed on the effects of elevated concentration of the various forms of Nitrogen (Nitrate/Nitrate Ammonia) particularly with respect to the immediate Discharge Zone in Quesnel Lake. Constituents identified in Table 6-2 of the TAR as exceeding either the BC Water Quality Guidelines or the 30 day BC Water Quality Guidelines are: fluoride, sulphate, nitrate and total metals, including antimony, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, copper, selenium and dissolved aluminum.
The final comment of this report says,
" In terms of benefit to risk receiving environment water users are being asked to absorb the risk while Mount Polley Mining Company and the Province of BC will reap the benefits. "
