Editor:
I write on behalf of Mount Polley Mining Corporation to address misinformation in Doug Watt’s letter published on July 30, 2024, and in his recent interviews, which misleads the public about our actions, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Since the 2014 breach of Mount Polley’s tailings storage facility, we have worked closely with local communities, partners, the Government and First Nations to remediate the affected area.
We did not walk away; and we have recent confirmation from Mount Polley’s third-party subject matter experts that Hazeltine Creek has been successfully remediated: the constructed habitat now offers 130 per cent of the quantity of fish habitat that existed before the breach.
In addition, what is not mentioned in the University of Northern BC study on the re-suspension of materials in Quesnel Lake is that the amount of material resuspended, even in the early days post-breach, was below the Ministry of Environment’s safe levels for water quality guidelines.
A recent Nature Reviews Earth & Environment paper also notes that “the 2014 Mount Polley… TSF failure… had considerably higher physical impacts on Hazeltine Creek and Quesnel Lake than chemical impacts owing to low metal and metalloid concentrations in the tailings.”
Contrary to Mr. Watt’s claim, following the submission of our recent permit amendment application, a 30-day public consultation period was held, and we have
consistently engaged with local First Nations through regular meetings and site visits and host ongoing Public Liaison Committee meetings.
Claims that we do not treat discharge water are also incorrect.
We use a globally recognized water treatment system which ensures the water released into Quesnel Lake meets and exceeds the strictest standards for copper and other substances.
Mr. Watt’s statement that we muzzle individuals through the use of non-disclosure agreements is defamatory.
At no time has Mount Polley used NDAs relating to the breach in such an illegal fashion.
We remain committed to transparent communication and environmental responsibility, and welcome ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders as we move forward. For questions or further information about our operations or remediation efforts, please visit mountpolley.com or contact us at inquiries@imperialmetals.com.
Brian Kynoch,
President, Imperial Metals Corporation
