Mining company fined for dumping waste in B.C. river system

The federal Environment Ministry says in a news release that Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. was fined $200,000 on Jan. 12 after it pleaded guilty in provincial court to violations related to effluent regulations.

An inspection of the mine by ministry enforcement officers found the company was depositing liquid waste into Lowhee Creek in B.C.’s Cariboo region without having notified authorities.

The creek is part of the Willow River system, which the ministry says is an important fish-bearing watershed.

The inspection also found the mine was failing to complete sampling and submit reports on time.

The ministry says the fine will paid into the government’s environmental damages fund.