Prince George, B.C. – The B.C. Environment Ministry has provided another update on the breach of the Mount Polley mine tailings pond.

The ministry, in conjunction with the Cariboo Regional District, continue to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in. Until further notice, the water quality advisory remains in place for communities that get their water from Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, Cariboo Creek and all parts of Quesnel Lake, as well as the Quesnel River south of 6236 Cedar Creek Road. This includes the communities of Winkley Creek, Abbott Creek, Mitchell Bay and the East Arm of Quesnel Lake.  Interior Health will continue to evaluate water samples and will update the communities as more information becomes available.   Residents who are still affected by the water ban are strictly advised that boiling your water will not help.

Other developments of note:

1. Public showers, along with containers for potable and grey water, have now arrived in Likely and are functional today.

2. The Community Transition Manager from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training will be on the ground on Monday, co-locating with the United Steelworkers at their office in Williams Lake, to coordinate support and gather intelligence on worker and community impacts and services.

3. WorkBC Employment Services Centre (ESC) will be mobilized in the area next week and work is being done to determine the best way to connect with impacted workers.

Regarding the situation at the mine tailings pond, the government says the flow out of the breach has decreased dramatically, but has not completely stopped.  Imperial Metals currently is building a temporary berm to stop flow out of the pond.  Hazeltine Creek was originally about four feet wide and is now up to 150 feet wide.  The cause of the breach is still unknown at this time. Ministry of Environment conservation officers are investigating the breach along with Energy and Mines Ministry inspectors.

Tug boats continue to work in the area to boom the debris in the water and excavators are on standby in the event they are needed as well. Significant progress has been made.  At this time there have been no reports of injuries or people getting sick from drinking water, nor have any reports of property damage been received.

The government says a Disaster Psycho-Social Support team is available to offer local residents emotional support for their unique impacts and coping needs. These trained volunteers provide services to communities affected by emergencies and disasters. The CRD, EMBC and Provincial Health Services Association are coordinating this effort and will be making more information available to all impacted communities.

And the government says all costs associated with the cleanup of the breach is the responsibility of Imperial Metals, and is not a cost borne by B.C. taxpayers.