Environmental monitoring programs and closure research projects at Mount Polley mine site continue as planned. Remediation construction at the lower Hazeltine Creek and Edney Creek began this summer. Mount Polley staff, with assistance from Golder Associates Ltd., have begun development of the 2022 Water Management Plan.
Monitoring activities include regular water quality and toxicity sampling at:
- water treatment plant (WTP)
- surface waters of Polley Lake, Bootjack Lake, Hazeltine Creek, Edney Creek & Quesnel Lake
- mine contact waters including groundwater & mine seepage with flow rates
Regular inspections of
all critical ditches, sumps, ponds, pumping systems and pipelines.
Ongoing surveys and studies include:
- spawning activity in Hazeltine & Edney Creeks
- remediated terrestrial habitats; vegetation growth, nesting sites and wildlife usage
- aquatic habitats; fish population & tissue, zooplankton, phytoplankton, benthic invertebrates and sediments in Bootjack, Polley & Quesnel Lakes
- dilution modelling of the Quesnel Lake discharge
- semi-passive and passive water treatment options for closure which include a constructed wetland treatment system pilot study and a saturated rock fill bench scale test
