Banks Island mining project now being investigated by Environment Canada

A Banks Island mining project is being
reviewed by Environment Canada

An underground gold mining project on a Northwest coastal island south of Kitkatla is being reviewed by Environment Canada after reports of a pollution spill on the site were made public in recent weeks.

Environment Canada is offering no comment related to its investigation other than the advisory that it will be the lead investigator into the incident, with support from the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service.

The Yellow Giant Mine on Banks Island received notice from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment earlier this month which issued an order related to the operations on site.

The company noted the terms of the Pollution Abatement order in a media release from July 24th, outlining how the BC Ministry of Mines had inspected the Yellow Giant Mine on July 16th and issued a stop order on the mineral process plant until a revised Sediment Control Plan, Water Management Plan and Tailings management plan was provided to the Chief Inspector.

Yellow Giant stated in the media release that they had submitted the requested reports as of July 20th.

Concerns over the way that tailings from the mine have been stored and the impact that it could have on lake and wetland areas that feed a river and other streams that salmon transit is key to the ongoing investigation.

In the fallout from the incident, the Gitxaala Nation has also indicated that they will be launching a legal action against both Banks Island Gold and the province to ensure that environmental damage that may have been caused by the spill is cleaned up.

Chief Clarence Innis of the Gitxaala First Nation also told Global BC that they have a number of concerns related to the development in their traditional territory and plan to conduct their own investigation into the incident.  He noted that along with their legal moves, the First Nation would be looking to see the mining project shut down completely.

In the same interview, Al Hoffman, the Chief Inspector of Mines for British Columbia outlined some of the details of the investigation to this point from the province and the process and possible repercussions ahead.

Both interviews can be viewed below:




The environmental group Pacific Wild has also been prominent in recent days in its efforts to draw attention to the mining project, issuing their own media release on July 27th.

Yesterday, the Vancouver Sun provided more background related to the incident that led to the current investigation.

Other news sources both local and provincial, have been following the story since the incident was first noted earlier this month.

July 29 -- Gitxaala call on Banks Island to 'clean up and get out' of traditional territory
July 27 -- Underground gold miner limits production after pollution violation
July 27 -- Province shutters mine over spills
July 23 -- Shutdown order issued for Banks Island Gold after tailings, effluent found in the environment
July 23 -- No health risk from tailings and effluent discharge says Ministry of Environment
July 23 -- Environment Ministry orders mining shutdown on Banks Island due to tailings and effluent

Some aspects of those media reports, including those from the North Coast, have been highlighted by a resource magazine as inaccurate.

Though the publication, Resource Clips did note that Banks Island Gold officials didn't do themselves any favours in the their response to interview requests regarding the incident.

Mining.com went even further, outlining the list of items which the Company says has not been reported accurately. The majority of which involved the current status of the production activity at the mine and the  description of the area in question as a tailings pond, items that the company expanded on with a media release from July 28th.

In that media update, the company also announced the resignation of Mr. Saurabh Handa the Director and Chief Financial Officer, noting his other commitments as the deciding factor in his departure.

His time in the upper level position with the company appears to have been rather short lived, his appointment announcement which also listed a number of other changes within the company was dated July 8th of this year.

No timeline has been outlined by Environment Canada as to the process involved with their joint investigation with the province.

More items related to mining activity in the Northwest can be found on our archive page.

4.8 magnitude temblor reported Northwest of Port Hardy

A 4.8 mg earthquake was
reported NW of Port Hardy tonight

An area of the North Coast that has been an active earthquake zone for much of the year, stirred once again this evening with a 4.8 magnitude temblor recorded at 5:31 PM.

The earth movement was located some 183 kilometres to the Northwest of Port Hardy, it had a depth of 18.96 kilometres.

The area between Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii has had a number of quakes this year, which can be reviewed from our archive page here.

Today's 4.8 mg quake was located 
at the northern end
and in the middle of two fault lines
that run along the Vancouver Island coast

The location of today's quake is at a spot between the northern end of the two fault lines that run along the coast of Vancouver Island and Washington state.

No Tsunami Warning or Watch appears to have been generated by the event.

Today's seismic shift off of Port Hardy comes less than 24 hours after a significant 6.3 earthquake was recorded last evening at 7:35 PM west of Anchorage, Alaska 

Southeast Conference making plans for September conference in Prince Rupert

In just a bit over six weeks time, the City of Prince Rupert will be playing host to the annual gathering of the Southeast Conference,as Prince Rupert takes its turn as host of the alliance of Alaska communities which includes the sole British Columbia representative from Prince Rupert.

The 2015 Conference is taking place from September 15 to 17 and as the planning moves forward, the discussion panels, workshops and other working groups are being put together to make the most of the three days that the visitors from the north will be in the city.

The majority of the three days of discussions and workshops will be taking place at the North Coast Convention Centre, with Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain and Southeast Conference President Patricia Phillips providing the opening address on the Tuesday morning

Among some of the topics that are in the works for the three day Agenda: Cross Border partnerships, an International Expo featuring discussions on LNG opportunities, a review of AMHS issues, a workshop on Building a sustainable future and discussions on Preparing the Alaskan economy for 2020.

A first draft of the proposed Agenda can be reviewed here.

While the delegates are here, a number of trips are also being planned to showcase some of the industrial developments of the region as well as other aspects of what Prince Rupert and Port Edward have to offer.

Delegates will wrap up their time on the North Coast with the closing banquet, scholarship auction and election of the 2016 Board of Directors.

In order to shuttle delegates to Prince Rupert from Ketchikan, the Alaskan airline Taquan Air will be flying between the two communities through the week, as well delegates can take advantage of the opportunity to use the Alaska Marine Highway System to transit to Prince Rupert.

That could provide a welcome opportunity for the Southeast Conference members to impress upon the Alaska government officials of the value of the transportation link between Prince Rupert and Ketchikan, perhaps even making use of the conference to push for increased service between the two communities.

As well, with both Alaska state officials and representatives of the Federal Government to be in attendance during the conference,  North Coast residents could possibly receive an update on the stalled renovation plans for the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal in Prince Rupert.

Some background on the issues related to the Alaska Marine Highway and engagement with Prince Rupert can be found here.

Beyond the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss issues of mutual concern up and down the Pacific Northwest coast, the Conference will be an economic boost to the Prince Rupert economy, with hotel reservations and restaurants to feel the most impact of the three day visit from the neighbours.

You can track developments leading up to the September sessions through the Southeast Conference website.

The page dedicated to the Prince Rupert session can be found here.

CBC Radio responds to City Council inquiries on service in the community

The CBC has offered up another response to concerns related to programming on the North Coast, replying to a letter from the City of Prince Rupert and providing an overview of the service that they provide to the region through the Daybreak North program.

Noting that two members of the Daybreak team are based in Prince Rupert, Lorna Haeber, Director of Programming for the CBC outlined how recent budget cuts had not had an impact on the positions of Carolina de Ryk and George Baker who hold down the fort on Third Avenue West.

In the letter from July 10th, Ms. Haeber also observed as to the nature of the Daybreak North programming model which produces programming relevant to the larger audience of Northern British Columbia, while at the same time reflecting the unique characteristics that make up the community which the local broadcasters live.

The CBC executive also addressed some of the concerns that City seemingly included in their recent correspondence, advising that issues such as survival information and marine weather reports have been strengthened, with the marine weather incorporated into weather breaks both during the Daybreak North program and through the day.

As for some apparent programming requests by the City, that the CBC include shipping reports and announcements of memorials, Ms. Haeber observed that the CBC does not have the capacity to provide either of those recommendations on an ongoing basis.

On the theme of community involvement, she also made note of the recent Street party hosted by the CBC in front of City Hall, as well as a BC Almanac program hosted by Prince Rupert's Gloria Macarenko and broadcast from the CBC's Prince Rupert studios during Homecoming in May.

Also listed in the reply to the city were some of the other events that the CBC have provided a focus on in recent months, highlighted by a three day visit by Radio West during the February All Native Basketball Tournament.

You can review the full letter to Council by clicking on the copy provided below:

Ms. Haeber's correspondence is not the first time this year that CBC officials have responded to community concerns on the nature of programming in the region.

In May, Johnny Michel, the Senior managing director for CBC British Columbia and Alberta responded to an article from the weekly newspaper, providing some of the CBC's counter points to issues raised regarding the quality of broadcasting in the region.

As we've noted on the blog in recent months, the CBC has been in the spotlight on the North Coast with local listeners hosting public meetings to discuss their concerns and suggestions for improvement of local CBC service in the region.

The City's letter to the CBC follows up on those concerns which were raised by local listeners at a City Council session in April, as well as through a request for the city's support in their quest to improve the programming available.

You can review some of the background on those sessions from the links below:

July 16 -- Local CBC Radio fans hosting information Saturday
May 7 -- Local listeners seek Council's support to expand CBC Service on the North Coast
April 27 -- Community Group to outline concerns over CBC programming for Council tonight

For more items related to the media in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Haida Gwaii food producers set to debut "Produced on Haida Gwaii" brand

Produce from Haida Gwaii is going
to carry a new brand this year

A new Buy Local program for Haida Gwaii will see funding of $5,225 provided to the Misty Isles Economic Development Society for a branding project for Haida Gwaii grown produce.

The new logo for the project “Produced on Haida Gwaii” will label fresh produce including vegetables, greenhouse produce, meat and seafood, and local artisan goods.

Shoppers will be able to easily identify products from Haida Gwaii and choose to buy locally and support local farmers and food producers.

The Misty Isles Economic Development Society is teaming up with the Graham Island East Coast Farmers' Institute and local food producers to promote products from Haida Gwaii. With a focus on supporting local agriculture, Wild harvest and the seafood community.

The program will make use of promotional materials for use in grocery stores and farmers markets to highlight the Haida Gwaii brand.

“Looking for local food on Haida Gwaii should be easier with the new local food brand and promotional materials. We look forward to continuing implementation of the Agriculture Strategy with our local producers.” -- Cameron Bell, economic development officer for the Misty Isles Development Society on a new program to highlight locally grown products

The new logo will be unveiled as part of the Tlell Fall Fair from July 31-August 2, as well as at other farmer's markets on the Islands through the summer and fall.

More on the Tlell Fall Fair can be viewed from this video from last years event or from the Facebook page dedicated to this years event.

You can learn more about the program from this background piece from the B. C. Buy Local program

Prince Rupert's water supply project to replace 2.2 kilometres of 100 year old pipe

Work on the City's water supplylines and Woolworth Dam
will be aided by Tuesday's
funding announcement
(photo from City
of PR 2012 annual Report)

A few more details have  been released regarding yesterday's infrastructure announcements on the North Coast, with the Prince Rupert water supply replacement project set to bring the city's water lines into a new century, leaving the 100 year old pipes to the history books.

As we outlined on the blog yesterday afternoon, Transportation Minister Todd Stone carried his infrastructure funding tour to the west, arriving on the North Coast on Tuesday afternoon providing for three major announcements.

For Prince Rupert, funding a combined federal and provincial infrastructure program will deliver $2,193,028 dollars from both the province and federal government accounting for over 4 million of the $6,579,086 price tag of the major infrastructure project.

The remainder of that total directed to the project will be the responsibility of the City of Prince Rupert.

On Tuesday evening, the Federal Government provided some background on the nature of the project, which will see the city's 100 year old steel water supply line replaced by a thermo plastic polymer pipe, with the new line to be buried underground for better protection.

The new upgraded line will be less prone to leaks, breakage and infiltration of contaminants and is expected to provide Prince Rupert residents and businesses with reliable potable water service for years to come.

Mayor Lee Brain, expressed the thanks of the Community for the financial assistance on the project and offered up some of his thoughts on the importance of the water supply project to the city.

"The City of Prince Rupert is delighted to be an active participant in conjunction with the Provincial and Federal governments New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund. A big thank you goes out to the Province for their support in addressing our critical infrastructure improvement needs by means of this opportunity. As part of the City of Prince Rupert’s 'LNG Go Plan’, this grant award begins the process of making our community a sustainable one. This in turn allows the City to compete as a global player on a world platform for major growth in the region and within the province."

Representatives from Prince Rupert and Port Edward joined
BC Transportation Minister Todd Stone for Tuesday's funding announcements
(Photo from Mayor Lee Brain's Facebook page)

In addition to the City's water supply project, Minister Todd Stone announced the approval of funding for the Wampler Way Bypass road in Port Edward. With both the province and federal government providing up to 1 million dollars each towards a project that is expected to cost 17.6 million dollars.

Port Edward is responsible for putting together the financing for the outstanding 15.6 million dollars.

"On behalf of myself and Council we would like to thank the Province for their support on the Wampler Way Project. This project will provide transportation for industry while keeping our residents safe." -- A statement from Mayor Dave MacDonald following Tuesday's funding announcement

The full overview of both projects can be found from this media release from the Federal Government.

For more items related to infrastructure issues on the North Coast see our archive page here, for items of note from Prince Rupert City Council see our Council Discussion page.

Infrastructure tour arrives on North Coast with funding for projects

Transportation Minister Todd Stone
Signed an MOU on funding
for infrastructure items for the
Lax Kw'alaams First Nation on Tuesday

Day Two of Transportation Minister Todd Stone's infrastructure funding tour brought him down the Yellowhead highway with announcements for Prince Rupert, Port Edward and Lax Kw'alaams on Tuesday afternoon.

The first announcement came for Lax Kw'alaams with details of a Memorandum of Understanding with the First Nation community that will set in motion funding for engineering work to pave Tuck Inlet Road, as well as funding for the refurbishment of the Spirit of Lax Kw'alaams ferry which will take place in 2016-17.

As well, Mr. Stone announced that there would be funding in place to provide for additional ferry trips each week between Lax Kw'alaams and Prince Rupert.

Details on the funding which comes through the BC on the Move program can be found here.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone
also had funding announcements
for Prince Rupert and Port Edward on
Tuesday afternoon

From that announcement Mr. Stone was off to meet with Mayor Lee Brain of Prince Rupert to announce the provinces contribution towards a new water supply project, with the province and Federal government contributing 4.4 million dollars towards the project of upgrading the city's water supply lines and dam at Woolworth Lake.

The money that is being dedicated towards the water line project heralds the start of what City Council is calling the
Rebuild Rupert program.

Mr. Brain chose to use his Facebook page to deliver the background to the announcement and the nature of the Rebuild Prince Rupert program.

The water supply issue was flagged by City Council as its highest priority back in February, when it submitted its application for grant funding.

With Port Edward the focus of much of the immediate development when it comes to the proposed LNG terminal at Lelu Island. That community was not left out of today's announcement listings, with Port Edward set to receive 2 million dollars in funding that will be directed towards the Wampler Way bypass road in that community.

Wampler Way is a key component of some of the development plans that Port Edward has been considering over the last few years, some background on that can be found here.

Details on both the Prince Rupert and Port Edward announcements can be reviewed here.

More background on Prince Rupert infrastructure issues can be found from our archive page.