The Friends of Fish Lake (FOFL) disputes some of the claims made by Taseko Mines Ltd. in recent weeks, Patricia Spencer states in a press release.
Writing on behalf of the FOFL, she adds these allegations were made in response to the release of the Federal Environmental Review Panel’s report regarding the proposed New Prosperity Mine at Fish Lake (Teztan Biny).
“The FOFL is of the view Taseko has made certain assertions through the media that are intended to distract the public from the fact that the company has received a second bad report from the independent environmental review panel. The report concluded the proposed mine would result in several significant adverse effects, including those to water quality in Fish Lake, fish and fish habitat in Fish Lake, and immitigable adverse impacts to the Tsilhqot’in people.”
Shortly after the release of the federal panel’s report on the proposed mine, the FOFL notes Taseko Mines issued a statement alleging the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) used the wrong design in analyzing the seepage rates in the tailings storage facility (TSF).
“The latter claim is simply preposterous.”
The FOFL states the topic of seepage from the TSF was thoroughly discussed during the Topic Specific Hearings, where representatives from Taseko had ample opportunity to meet face-to-face with NRCan scientists to clarify any possible misunderstandings.
If Taseko had an issue with NRCan, the FOFL believes it should have been brought up during the hearings – not after the fact when the panel’s record is closed.
“The panel was very thorough in its review of this topic. In fact, the panel requested Taseko do more modelling regarding seepage from the TSF, but the company refused.” (CEAA Doc. #539.)
Regardless of the TSF issue, there are many other problems with the proposed copper-gold project, the release continues. For example, Taseko Mines based a large part of its argument for a second environmental review on the claim its new mining plan would save Fish Lake.
“It became evident during the hearings, and the panel’s report confirms, Teztan Biny and its unique 85,000 trout would not be saved. Rather, it was demonstrated Taseko’s proposed water recirculation scheme and other measures would not be enough to protect water quality to support aquatic life.
“Based on the evidence, the panel finds it is unable to accept Taseko’s conclusion that the water treatment options proposed would effectively mitigate the adverse effects of the project on Fish Lake water quality.” (Report of the Federal Review Panel New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project. October 2013. Page 87.)
The company has not proven that it can save Fish Lake, thus putting into question one of the major justifications for the New Prosperity mine, Spencer states.
“The FOFL is also concerned about the negative impact the project would have on First Nations. Aboriginal people are unified in their opposition to the mine, and at the community hearings, not one Aboriginal person spoke in favour of the project.
“The fact the proponent has for years continued to attempt to push this project ahead despite opposition from First Nations is disturbing to us. It demonstrates the company’s profound lack of respect for the Tsilhqot’in people, the First Nation most affected by the mine.
Noting the FOFL is a group of citizens who live in the South Cariboo near 100 Mile House, the release concludes: “We have always had deep concerns about the proposed mine at Fish Lake. Even though the group supports mining as one sector of the region’s economy, it does not support this particular mining proposal.”
