Harvest festival slated PAGE A3
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Kevin from devon on the run PAGE A10
VOL. 100 NO. 101
Independent investigation launched into tailings breach AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Two weeks after the tailings breach at Mount Polley the provincial government announced an independent investigation. “We need to restore the confidence of the people,” Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett said Monday. The independent engineering investigation and inquiry is step one of a two-step process. First, the independent panel will conduct an investigation and provide recommendations through a final report by Jan. 31, 2015, determining why the tailings dam failed. Second, the panel’s recommendations will be received by government and the Soda Creek Indian Band and Williams Lake Indian Band and then shared with the public, and implemented. The panel members, appointed by government with the support of the Soda Creek and Williams Lake Indian Bands, are: • Norbert Morgenstern, advisor to consulting engineers; • Steven Vick, geotechnical engineer (Colorado); • Dirk Van Zyl, professor, University of British Columbia (UBC) • Normal B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering. The Soda Creek and Williams Lake Indian Bands were consulted on the terms of reference for the engineering
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investigation and will have a liaison to the panel. “It is vital these two bands are involved in the investigation,” Bennett said. The investigation also includes an order issued by the chief inspector of mines to all mining companies to conduct a dam safety inspection for every tailings facility by Dec. 1, 2014. This safety inspection will be reviewed by an independent, third-party professional not associated with that facility. The order also includes a requirement for a third-party review of the dam consequence classifications by Dec. 1, 2014. A dam’s consequence classification is based on potential impact on environment, population, culture and infrastructure should a mine breach. “We have a responsibility, as the jurisdiction where this failure took place, to find out exactly why it happened, ensure it never happens again and take a leadership role internationally in learning from this serious incident,” Bennett said. “Mining is a critical industry in British Columbia, supporting dozens of communities and thousands of families. The independent engineering investigation and third-party reviews of dam safety inspections for every permitted tailings facility in the province will get the answers necessary to provide public confidence following this serious incident.”
Man arrested in stabbing
A 40-year-old Quesnel man remains in custody following a stabbing Saturday afternoon. Shortly before noon Aug. 16, Quesnel RCMP were called to a report of a stabbing in the 200 block of Front Street near the footbridge. Police attended and located a 21-year-old male suffering from a stab wound. Investigation determined that the 21-year-old had been fighting with another male who pulled a knife during the altercation. The 21-year-old victim was transported to Quesnel’s G.R. Baker Hospital where he was treated for his stab wound and later released. A 40-year-old Quesnel man has been arrested in connection with this crime. He is facing one count of assault with a weapon and is set to make his first court appearance this week.
Chili Cook Off 2014 August 24, 2014 11:00 am - 3:30 pm For more info contact
Susan MacNeill
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber L. Normile! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
local athletes at summer games PAGE A12
PM 40005365
1
$ 30
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Chili secrets Liz Neave adds her secret ingredient to the chili as she perfects her recipe. There’s still time to sign up your team for the Chili Cook Off slated for Sunday during the Prospectors Club Show and Shine. Bring your best recipe for a chance to win great prizes and bragging rights for a whole year. Entry forms are available at the Observer front desk and the deadline has been extended to Friday at noon. This event is a fundraiser for the Quesnel and District Hospice Palliative Care Association but really, it’s all about the fun. Annie Gallant photo
Prospector’s Club Show & Shine
250.985.5816 or 250.991.9664 Quesnel & District Hospice Palliative Care Association
Funds raised are for 2 New Wheelchairs!
August 22, 23 & 24