The operator of the Mount Polley mine has been ordered by the Ministry of Environment to take immediate action to stop the further release of mine tailings into nearby waterways from the Aug. 4, 2014, impoundment facility dam breach, and to submit environmental impact assessments and clean-up action plans to the ministry.
Mount Polley Mining Corporation must submit a written summary of actions taken to stop the release of mine tailings by Aug. 13, 2014.
The order also requires the company to undertake a preliminary environmental impact assessment and submit an action plan by Aug. 6, 2014, and to then undertake a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and submit a detailed action plan by Aug. 15, 2014.
The company is required to report on the implementation of action plan measures on a weekly basis to regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $300,000 for each infraction or six months in jail.
The full pollution abatement order and other information regarding response to the Mount Polley mine incident can be viewed here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/incidents/2014/mount-polley.htm.