The Yukon government has begun releasing contaminated water from the Eagle Gold Mine, which experienced a catastrophic mine failure last June. The release is intended to prevent uncontrolled leaks of cyanide-tainted water during the spring snow melt. While the water currently exceeds copper limits, a settling pond is under construction to treat the water before it is discharged.
WHITEHORSE — The Yukon government has announced that contaminated water from the Eagle Gold Mine , which suffered a catastrophic mine failure last June, is now being discharged ahead of the spring snow melt. The government, in an update on the failure in the heap leach storage facility, states that the receiver appointed to oversee the site believes it is 'critical' to initiate the release to prevent cyanide-tainted water from leaking out in an uncontrolled manner.
The update reveals that the water's copper levels are 'not fully compliant' with both federal regulations and the site's water licence. It indicates that the receiver, PricewaterhouseCoopers, is constructing a 'settling pond' to address the copper-laden water. Once completed, the discharged water is 'expected to meet all required conditions.' The Yukon government explains that approximately 3,000 cubic meters of water will be released daily until the new pond is operational, asserting that this is the 'safest option' to manage water levels as snow begins to melt in the spring.The update further discloses that a leak from a containment pond at the site reported in late December resulted in elevated levels of cyanide, cobalt, chloride, and nickel in nearby Haggart Creek. This event 'may negatively impact fish health in the downstream environment.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published February 14, 2025.
Eagle Gold Mine Contaminated Water Cyanide Mine Failure Yukon Government Environmental Impact
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