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Location of the breach (Photo Credit: Google Maps)
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Residents in Northern BC living near the waterways of Mount Polley Mine are on alert because of an overnight tailings pond breach.
According to the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) word of the breach, near Likely, BC, went out to the public just after 8:00 a.m. Monday morning. The CRD, RCMP, Emergency Management BC, Search and Rescue and Interior Health are all investigating the possible health impacts of the breach. Helicopter reconnaissance is currently underway over the area.
Residents are being told not to consume water in the area and a complete ban has been issued, including all recreational activities, bathing, drinking and more. Mount Polley Mine is an open pit copper and gold mine which is operated by Imperial Metals Corp.
The site of the breach is near Quesnel and 100 kilometers north east of Williams Lake. The contaminated water is said to have entered Polley Lake and then drained into Quesnel Lake.
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