B.C. Mines Minister Hoping to Soothe Alaskans' Concerns after Mount Polley Spill
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [The Canadian Press] By Tamsyn Burgmann - August 24, 2015
VANCOUVER _ British Columbia's mines minister says he's aiming to ease Alaska residents' fears that their region could be harmed by a disaster similar to the Mount Polley accident in the province's Interior.
Bill Bennett met with mining representatives in Alaska last November, four months after a tailings dam burst and spilled 24 million cubic metres of waste into area waterways, including salmon-bearing rivers.
However, Alaskans living downstream from northwestern B.C. mines said Bennett ignored their worries about the potential for mining pollution flowing their way in the event of another catastrophe.
A year after the August 2014 spill, Bennett said he's taking the lead from state officials who have arranged dozens of meetings with conservation groups and tribal associations.
A week-long tour that began Sunday replaced plans for...
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