WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. - Tests on water and trout in the waterways around a tailings pond breach in B.C.'s Interior remain within guidelines, but local First Nations aren't convinced the disaster won't have lasting repercussions.
The Tsilhqot-in (sill-coh-TEEN') National Government says it remains concerned that the tailings pond breach at the Mount Polley gold and copper mine will have long-term impacts on ceremonial and food fish.
Chief Joe Alphonse says his people have found dead salmon along the river shores like they've never seen before, and the Cariboo-area band is advising its people not to eat the fish until health and safety is assured by independent studies.
Alphonse says they'll do what is necessary to ensure the mine's owner, Imperial Metals (TSX:III) Corp., is held accountable to any damage done to salmon and waterways.
The latest government tests from Quesnel Lake show the water meets drinking-water guidelines and tests on rainbow trout show the water was not toxic to the fish.
Tests are expected this weekend on sediment samples collected from the breach and from water in Polley Lake, the closest lake to the breach.