Editor:
I attended the meeting on Dec. 9 as a follow up to the controversy in the paper over the issuing of the permit.
I was impressed by the presentations and some guarantees that they are not discharging contaminated water into Hazeltine Creek.
From the presentation I learned that they are discharging treated water from a treatment plant that is mostly groundwater from rain and snowmelt.
I also learned that an oversight committee of professionally-trained people worked on this decision with the final decision being made by a senior manager in Victoria.
This was not a political decision but, rather, a scientific one based on established provincial standards.
Some people see a conspiracy involving Imperial Metals and the various government agencies, but I don’t see this.
I also learned that Imperial Metals met with the Soda Creek and Williams Lake First Nations to make this presentation to them, as well.
I was surprised the most vocal group opposed to this permit, being the TNG, did not attend the Dec. 9 meeting.
I could see opposition if you came and listened but were not happy with the presentation, but to openly oppose something you know very little about is not sensible.
In summary, this situation shouldn’t have happened. But it did and it would appear that the parties involved are working to get this situation rectified.
I look forward to seeing the plan for a long-term water discharge permit.
Bill Carruthers
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