Several government agencies and contractors were on hand Wednesday to answer questions about the Mount Polley Mine cleanup.
And while the itinerary was an open house format with people answering questions individually around the room, residents said they still prefer one big open meeting.
“The setup was a little different,” Likely resident Lisa Kraus said Thursday. “It was hard because people went up and asked different questions, but nobody else heard what the answers were and probably asked the same questions numerous times.”
She didn’t want to speak for the entire community, however, Kraus said people want to hear and see the same picture.
Kraus did appreciate meeting “all the players” involved with the cleanup and viewing the draft plan that will go to the provincial government for consideration.
Representatives attended the meeting from Mount Polley Mining Corporation, SNC Lavalin – MPMC Consultant, Golder Associates, MPMC Consultant, Tetra Tech EBA – MPMC Consultant, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Environment, Interior Health, Cariboo Regional District and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
“For example Interior Health was asking if there was a better way to get information out to residents,” Kraus said. “Yes there were bulletins, but we didn’t get contacted individually.”
Five weeks into the mine spill Kraus said it’s no use getting mad.
The community has to follow through and make sure people are made accountable for what happened, but the cleanup will be ongoing and people will have to work together.
“Today I am watching the water and it’s still hued green and there are white particles that are floating on top,” Kraus said from her home along the Quesnel River where she has lived since 1985.