Yesterday’s sweltering heat did not stop community members from packing the Likely Hall.
Representatives from Imperial Metals were present to address those in attendance last night with the latest updates surrounding the tailings pond breach.
Environmental Superintendent, Jack Love says although water samples taken Aug. 9 from three locations in the Quesnel River and Quesnel Lake meet federal and provincial drinking water guidelines tap water will now be tested.
“Based on the feedback water quality is a concern in the community, so we’re focusing on people’s tap intake for the next part of sampling”
A lengthy question period followed the presentation with attendees asking Love if the water is as safe as it is claimed to be would he and his family drink it.
“Yes,” Love responded. “The water meets and exceeds all drinking water guidelines for the province.”
As for a current action plan on the cleanup, Imperial Metals Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Steve Robertson said there are three areas that must be addressed.
“One cleanup of wood from Quesnel Lake. Two reducing water levels from Polley Lake, and three constructing a dike to contain the remaining tailings.”
Test results from the discharge point of Polley Lake into Hazeltine Creek and sediment samples from Hazeltine Creek and the breach area will not be released from the Ministry of Environment until the weekend.