National

New Rules For Tailings Ponds Based On Findings From Mount Polley Collapse

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2015 04:38 PM

VANCOUVER — The disastrous collapse of the Mount Polley mine tailings pond in B.C.'s Interior last year has spurred new provincial environmental requirements for similar operations.

Developed in collaboration between the ministries of environment and mines, mining firms must consider the possibility of a disaster and evaluate the environmental, health, social and economic impacts of an accident.

The changes mean companies must also include in their assessments the best-available technologies for tailings ponds and options for water balance to enhance safety and reduce the risk of a tailings dam failure.

The Environmental Assessment Office will evaluate tailings management options and decide whether the mining company's plan adequately addresses potential risks.

The new rules are based on the findings in the Mount Polley Independent Expert Investigation, prepared by a panel chaired by Norbert Morgenstern and released in January.

The investigation started weeks after the mine's tailings pond dam collapsed in August last year, sending 24 million cubic metres of silt and water into nearby lakes and rivers.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Via Rail terror suspect said 'we are being watched,' trial hears

TORONTO — An undercover FBI officer has told the trial of two men accused of plotting to derail a train travelling between Canada and the U.S. that one of them warned him at their first meeting that they were being watched.

Via Rail terror suspect said 'we are being watched,' trial hears

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

TORONTO — Taking in former Guantanamo Bay inmate and government-branded terrorist Omar Khadr as a student would dovetail perfectly with how King's University sees itself, the school says.

Educating Omar Khadr: 'Just doing what we do,' Christian university says

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

MONTREAL — Member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization have recommended the adoption of a new standard that would see commercial aircraft tracked every 15-minutes.

ICAO delegates suggest 15-minute real-time aircraft tracking as standard

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

OTTAWA — A new study is calling on the federal and provincial governments to cut corporate tax rates as a way to boost revenues and broaden the tax base.

Cut down the corporate tax burden to help Canadian economy: study

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

OTTAWA — Nearly a century of parliamentary tradition is coming to an end with the RCMP poised to take control of security inside the Parliament Buildings.

Near-century of tradition at end with Mounties taking over Hill security

U.S. Congress honours Canadian-American WWII vets, real-life 'James Bonds'

WASHINGTON — A group of Canadian veterans received the United States' highest civilian award Tuesday for their role in a legendary military unit whose exploits dazzled moviegoers at home and tormented Nazis abroad.