Imperial Metals, a subsidiary of Mount Polley Mining Corporation, have been charged with alleged violations under the federal Fisheries Act.
According to the company’s website, the charges arise from the failure of the Tailings Storage Facility at the mine more than 10 years ago in August of 2014.
Millions of cubic meters of water and mine waste was sent into nearby Hazeltine Creek, Polley Lake, and Quesnel Lake.
The charges are outlined in an indictment filed with the Supreme Court of British Columbia on Friday. (Dec 6)
There are 15 counts in total.
Ten are under section 36 (3) which prohibits the deposit of all deleterious substances into water frequented by fish, or to any place, under any conditions, where it may enter water frequented by fish.
Five counts are under section 35 (1) which says no person shall carry on any work, undertaking or activity that results in serious harm to fish that are part of a commercial, recreational or Indigenous fishery, or to fish that support such a fishery.
Imperial Metals, Mount Polley Mining Corporation, and Wood Canada are all facing charges.
A court appearance has been set for December 18th to fix a date.
As this matter is now before the courts, the company says it does not intend to make further public statements.
–Files by George Henderson, My Cariboo Now
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