Mt Polley Incident - Aug 10th update

New today:

1.) Water samples taken from the shore of Polley Lake on Aug. 7, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels prior to the breach of the tailings pond. Based on the encouraging water sample results from Polley Lake, the Province and Interior Health have given the green light to Imperial Metals to use a discharge pipe to divert the build-up of water in Polley Lake into Hazeltine Creek. The water will then flow downstream into Quesnel Lake where it will be tested daily.

2.) As of this morning, Imperial Metals has now begun pumping water from Polley Lake into Hazeltine Creek and down to Quesnel Lake. By controlling this release of water as soon as possible, it will significantly lower the potential risk of another breach. An uncontrolled release of the stored water in Polley Lake could cause additional risks to human health and further delay in possible rescinding of the drinking water advisory currently in place.

3.) Additionally, Ministry of Environment water samples taken on Aug. 6, 2014, from six locations in Quesnel River and Quesnel Lake have been tested and confirm all samples from these two water sources meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines for a third straight day.

4.) Despite these encouraging results from the Imperial Mine's tests, the DO NOT USE order by the Regional Medical Health Officer remains in place until corroborating independent Ministry of Environment sample results from Polley Lake are reviewed by all parties involved. These are expected within the next two days.

5.) The CRD has issued an Order to Restrict Access to the Mount Polley Mine area to help ensure public safety. Mine employees and government officials are exempt. Mount Polley staff have said they will use their personnel to secure and control entry into the area.

6.) Portable showers have been installed at the Likely Forestry camp site and are now open for residents and visitors to use.

7.) The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources (FLNRO) is working with Imperial Metals to provide appropriate permitting for woody debris removal and disposal.

8.) FLNRO also has its wildlife team available to investigate reported wildlife concerns.