Some Mount Polley Water Samples Show High Copper Levels

Reuters reported that a small number of water samples taken near the tailings pond breach at Imperial Metals Corp.’s (TSX:III) Mount Polley copper-gold mine have shown copper levels high enough “to pose a risk to fish.”

As quoted in the market news:

The local public health authority believes drinking water intake pipes have not been exposed to unsafe levels of contamination, medical health officer Sue Pollock said on a conference call with reporters.

Two samples taken deep in Quesnel Lake on August 12 showed high concentrations of copper, 134 micrograms per litre and 217 micrograms per litre, according to documents posted by the province on Friday. To meet water quality guidelines for even short-term or “acute” exposure for fish, copper levels should be 8.5 micrograms per litre or less.

Four other samples narrowly exceeded chronic or acute guidelines for copper exposure by aquatic life. Further samples taken in other areas were within guidelines.

Click here to read the full Reuters report.