Fisherman Road, Blewett

Historic Mining Assessment

Summer 2014 Update

Teck Resources Limited

Suite 3300, 550 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 0B3

+1 604 699 4000 Tel

+1 604 699 4750 Fax
www.teck.com

Background
Teck owns several parcels of land along Fisherman Road in Blewett that were acquired in approx. 1931
related to the dam construction on the Kootenay River. As shown on the map on the following page,
some of these land parcels contain historic tailings unrelated to Teck operations. The tailings are from the
historical Kenville Mine (formerly Granite-Poorman Mine). Tailings associated with the mine were
deposited intermittently between 1890 and 1956. Teck and its predecessors did not own or operate the
mine which generated the tailings.
Preliminary Results and Installation of Signage
Since 2013, Tecks contractor SNC-Lavalin has been sampling soils, sediment, surface water and
groundwater in and around the Kootenay River near the junction of Fisherman Road and Granite Road.
Preliminary results indicate that elevated levels of metals associated with the historic tailings were
confirmed in isolated areas along Fisherman Road as shown on the map on the following page. The level
of metals within these areas could potentially pose low health risks, in particular for young children, if they
were to accidentally ingest the materials through extended play in the soil. Pets should also be prevented
from accessing these areas lest they track contaminated soils into vehicles or homes.
Thus, in the interim and as a precaution, we have installed signage noting the elevated metals at
locations along the road. We ask that the public not enter these areas, including the vicinity that has been
used as an unauthorized boat launch. Teck is supportive of the RDCK determining an appropriate
location for a public boat launch in the Blewett/Taghum region.
Please note that the roadway materials are not contaminated and use of Fisherman Road is safe for the
public. Additionally, there are no health concerns with fishing or swimming in the Kootenay River.
Work to be completed in 2014
Before remediation options can be confirmed, additional sampling is required to provide seasonal
information and to obtain samples in areas that could not be accessed in 2013. Through the summer of
2014, SNC-Lavalin will continue sampling soils, sediment, surface water and groundwater.
Next Steps
Once the additional sampling is complete and analyzed, we will share the results with local residents and
discuss our potential path forward.

Contact Information
For more info, please contact Mark Tinholt, Superintendent, Environmental Remediation, Teck Trail Operations
Telephone: 250-364-4385
E-mail: Mark.Tinholt@teck.com
For more information on Teck Resources, please visit www.teck.com

Area currently under assessment