(Coast Salish Traditional Territory) First Nations have carefully taken time to review the January 30, 2015 Report on the Mt. Polley Tailings Storage Facility Breach that was undertaken by an independent expert engineering investigation and review panel. The comprehensive report resulted from months of site investigations and document reviews by a panel of three experts chosen by the BC government.
Chief Bev Sellars from the Xat’sull First Nation states, “Last week I personally thanked the three panelists for their diligent efforts and want to ensure that all their recommendations are implemented. Our next step is to use our collective efforts to create a new mining industry that protects the environment while providing social and economic opportunities for everyone.”
Two communities, the Xat’sull First Nation and the Williams Lake Indian Band have engaged directly with British Columbia in a letter of understanding to jointly oversee all aspects of the decisions related to Mt. Polley. Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie is very pointed in her comment: “Safety has a price and these companies have to quit taking shortcuts that prove disastrous.”
The 150‐page report sends a clear message to the mining industry around the world that such disasters are avoidable and unacceptable.