Chief Bev Sellars, Soda Creek Indian Band –
“There is no doubt in anyone’s minds that this is the worst mining
disaster to ever occur in this province. Our nations and all British
Columbians have raised questions as to how such a disaster could
occur. With this independent investigation, we will all get the
answers we need and deserve. We look forward to receiving the results
of the investigation and taking action to ensure an accident like
this this never happens again.”
Chief Ann Louie, Williams Lake Indian Band –
“An independent engineering investigation is a crucial process
required to understand the cause of this breach. However, it is
merely a first step in understanding the broader implications of this
disaster. Many questions will remain regarding the long-term impacts
to our communities and environment.”
The Government of British Columbia, with the support of
the Soda Creek Indian Band (Xats’ull First Nation) and Williams Lake
Indian Band, has ordered an independent engineering investigation and
inquiry into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, and independent
third-party reviews of all 2014 Dam Safety Inspections for every
tailings pond at a permitted mine in the province.
The independent engineering investigation and inquiry is authorized
under the Mount Polley Investigation and Inquiry Regulation, issued
pursuant to section 8 of the Ministry of Energy and Mines Act. The
investigation will be conducted by a panel of experts that will
investigate the cause of the Mount Polley Mine Tailings Storage
Facility failure, including geotechnical standards, design of the
dam, maintenance, regulations, inspections regimes and other matters
the panel deems appropriate. This section also provides the panel
with the ability to compel evidence and authorizes the Minister to
require the company to cover costs of the inquiry.
The independent engineering investigation and inquiry is step one of
a two-step process.
First, the independent panel will conduct an investigation and
provide recommendations through a final report by Jan. 31, 2015, that
will determine why the tailings dam failed.
Second, the panel’s recommendations will be received by government
and the Soda Creek Indian Band and Williams Lake Indian Band and then
shared with the public, and implemented by government as needed and
where appropriate to ensure such an incident never happens again.
The panel members have been appointed by government with the support
of the Soda Creek and Williams Lake Indian Bands. The panel members
are experienced geotechnical experts with expertise in tailings
management facilities.
They are:
Norbert Morgenstern, advisor to consulting engineers
Steven Vick, geotechnical engineer (Colorado)
Dirk Van Zyl, professor, University of British Columbia (UBC)
Normal B. Keevil, Institute of Mining Engineering