VIDEO 1 of 4: During the most recent community meeting held in Likely, residents and concerned parties were given the opportunity to ask questions of Mount Polley officials, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Environment. Soda Creek Indian Band Chief Bev Sellars: “I would like someone to comment on Polley Lake. I understand there is a concern with the oxygen level there, and with the ice coming that it might be a dead lake next year. “Also, although we’ve had conversations and are working together, we’ve never had a conversation about reopening the mine. It’s way, way too early to even think of that. Don’t be putting information out there and words in our mouth when we haven’t had a conversation about that. Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie: Steve, these questions are more for you. The sediments, I’ve raised concerns repeatedly about them, and I know you’re talking about the hydro-seeding that was done and some have taken and some will probably be taken in the spring time. My question surrounds the area of the animals, the birds etcetera, that are eating the those freshly seeded areas with the sediments that are there. What kind of testing is occurring with the uptake of minerals from within the sediments that those animals, birds, etc. will be eating. And over what length of time will you be testing in order to determine the effects and impacts on those animals. I agree with Chief Sellars, I’ve heard repeatedly from our people that we are not willing to just say yes to the mine reopening until we get some definitive answers. It’s way too early – you’re not even into the beginning phase of Phase II and you’re asking to reopen the mine. I just cannot see that happening. The Panel Report hasn’t even come out, it’s not even due until 2015. It concerns me that that message is being presented. You’re not the first one I’ve heard it from – I’ve heard it from other people, and that is very concerning. Likely resident Janine Crosina: “The colour of the lake is something that scares me to death, and to hear you guys yourself say that you don’t really quite know what it causing that is even scarier. I do wonder why – maybe I heard incorrectly – the government is doing research/research, I do see Mount Polley and Imperial Metals helping us. I do see them cleaning up. “I don’t see the government fighting for Likely as much as I’d hoped you would. Research is great, but the tragedy is right now. Our lives are changed, forever and I do want to hear plans of Mount Polley reopening, I do want to keep my family here. I do want to see it cleaned up properly, and I just hope that everybody can work together to do that and it’s not a he said – she said blame game. The people who are basically going to lose in the end are the guys that really just stayed here and were community members, not the guys who made the money and walked away or the people sitting at their offices somewhere doing the paperwork. I mean, I appreciate that, but it seems like it’s hit a level where nothing is being done, just a lot of talk. Direct question to Minister Polak: “Are you asking them (government staff) to help us, as a community, rebuild our reputation. Our reputation is gone.” The officials responses can be heard by playing this video.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:19:03 +0000
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