We remember their sacrifice NOVEMBER 6, 2013
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Two Sections, 48 pages
100milefreepress.net
COMMEMORATING WAR VETERANS
Wranglers have a big week A22
Gaven Crites photo
Following his father's footsteps B1
INSIDE
opinion A8 letters A9 entertainment B3 sports A22 community B1 classifieds A25
The voice of the South Cariboo since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 260 president Bob Wangensteen pinned a poppy on 100 Mile House resident René Zelt on Nov. 4. Planning is ongoing for a Remembrance Day ceremony at the 100 Mile House Community Hall on Nov. 11.
Mine review panel report released Panel concerned about protection for environment, First Nation culture
Carole Rooney Free Press
The federal review panel has released its report and recommendations on the New Prosperity Mine project, stating the mine would result in “significant adverse environmental effects.” The project proposes to mine the largest undeveloped gold-copper deposit in Canada, located at Fish Lake southwest of Williams Lake. It has been a topic of much controversy and emotion across the Cariboo-Chilcotin. Prior to the report’s release on Oct. 31, Taseko Mines Ltd. had repeatedly indicated it expected the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s panel to conclude the project would have no significant adverse effect on
the environment. own independent science experts Taseko vice-president of corporate had already adjudicated, Battison affairs Brian Battison notes that “on explains. balance,” the report does not stop the “[Those experts] found Taseko’s mine project from being approved. plan to be reasonable and respon“The report in most respects sible.” agrees with our assessment – An environmental assessthe risks are modest, and the ment is always high-level, social and economic benefits he says, so the panel’s report are enormous.” is a theoretical prediction, Taseko remains committed whereas a mine in producto protecting Fish Lake, he tion is a practical, real-life says, adding the panel “made demonstration. a mistake” in that regard. “There are permit-level Brian “We strongly disagree with Battison requirements that are much the panel’s findings related to more detailed, where we impact on the potential water quality would spend additional millions of of Fish Lake, and we will be chal- dollars... to address any uncertainlenging these findings.” ties that exist at this high level.” The panel chose to listen to He says proof of Taseko’s ongoing the opposing side of the debate mitigation of environmental impacts on environmental aspects that its can bee seen at its Gibraltar Mine,
(the largest employer in the Cariboo region). However, South Cariboo resident Barbara Hooper opposes the mine, and said so when she addressed the federal panel. Hooper says she is “delighted” to see the panel has stressed impacts the mine would have on area First Nations. Hooper notes that with the environmental concerns and negative cultural impact the mine would have on the Tsilhqot’in and its sacred lands and area Secwepemc people, it was “obvious” to her the panel would reach these conclusions. She says the report states that tailings seepage would eventually find its way into Fish Lake. Continued on A5