There has been no improvement in the water quality at Quesnel Lake in the area referred to as the Mount Polley mine breach ‘impact zone,’ according to the latest test results.
Released by the Ministry of Environment Tuesday, Jan. 13, the results are from water samples taken from Quesnel River off the Likely Bridge between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2014, and Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry Bridge between Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 and are consistent with previous results.
According to the ministry, water quality at both sample sites show turbidity levels above the B.C. drinking water guidelines and total aluminum above Health Canada drinking water guidelines.
Results for water quality from the Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry Bridge show exceedances for total suspended solids, total iron and total phosphorus.
Results for aquatic life at both sample sites show total copper levels and dissolved aluminum above the chronic and acute water quality guidelines. Additionally, results collected from Quesnel River off the Gravelle Ferry site show exceedances for total phosphorus and total chromium above acute water quality guidelines, states the report.
Interior Health reaffirms that all chemical sampling on surface water located outside the impact zone meets safety guidelines.
Mount Polley Mining Corporation will deliver water and install finer filters to residents drawing water from Quesnel Lake during this period of high turbidity.