The Williams Lake Indian Band and Xat’sull First Nation will continue to work with the provincial government and Mt. Polley to hold them responsible in ensuring full environmental rehabilitation and water management.
WLIB Chief Ann Louie says they will continue to express the serious concerns that they have and will remain vigilant to ensure that all of the best outcomes are available.
“They know how we feel; we’ve continually said it. Our members tell us that they are concerned about the water in Quesnel Lake and we’ve expressed that repeatedly here in the community plus also when we go our senior official meetings and principle meetings.”
Louie says they finished a meeting last week Thursday and again expressed their concerns to government.
She says they have to continue working with them because they cannot ignore that the mine site is collecting water, that if left unmanaged, is likely to cause further environmental damage.
“It’s not easy work, but we keep pushing,” says Louie.
“I think by them (provincial government) willing to change the legislative work and regulatory framework it says that somebody’s listening because prior to that incident (August 4,2014 breach) there was never any engagement with government to change that legislation in anyway.”
A long-term water management plan, as well a closure and reclamation plan has yet to be approved for the Mt. Polley mine.
It was granted approval to return to full operations on June 23, 2016.