Editor:
While Taseko’s Mr. Battison recently said I was wrong about the potential harm to Fish Lake, I think he is wrong or at least disseminating incorrect information.
The original plan was rejected because of the draining of the lake for a tailings pond.
The “new” proposal would move the tailings pond, complete with a dam, upstream from the lake.
Battison also openly commented in 100 Mile house that: “There will be seepage from the tailings pond.”
My question some time ago to Taseko was how long before the seepage reaches the lake and starts to contaminate it.
Further to this Taseko has suggested a “plan” to have pumps and pipes “recirculate the lake water” and this would save the lake.
If the project goes ahead, and if the pumps are installed and working, what happens after the mine closes up?
How long will the tailings pond leach into the water table and underground areas? Who will pay for, administer, and repair the pumps?
If, or, as I suggest, when the lake is negatively impacted will there be a one fifth billion dollar bond for reclamation and repair.
The final pit situation will apparently be hundreds of feet deep, within 500 metres of the lake, and may take 40 years to fill, all information forward by Taseko. Will there be any monitoring or safety requirements while the pit fills up?
While the Liberal government says the same thing as Taseko, the B.C. government passed judgement onto to the Federal Environmental Review Panel. The attitude of the current B.C. government seems to be — just do it and not worry about the environment and other concerns.
Mr. Battison, you want to go ahead and you will say anything to support the project. I’m looking for realistic and factual information. Please explain how a couple of pumps can save a lake that will have contaminated seepage flowing into it?
Gary Young
Independent candidate