12 ~ Fricay, December 3, 1993 — North Shore News Prov. takes tou Stand on pollution We're getting better all the time ... Tennis Racquechall Squash Curling PreSchool programmes Fitness Weight Room Swimining Coaching and much more Hockey Ringetre Figure Skating Recreation Skating Social Activities of Britannia Beach Abatement order issued in connection with acid runoff from abandoned mine ENVIRONMENT, Lands and Parks Minister Moe Sihota has vowed to take tough action to deal with long-standing pollution concerns at the Britannia Beach mine site in Howe Sound. A .new pollution abatement order has been issued against Copper Beach Estates, the com- pany that owns the site. In addition, a pipe to drain acid runoff from the old mine will be replaced, The original drainage pipe was removed as a result of the provin- cial emergency response to a 1991 flood of the area. “This site has long been recognized as a significant source of pollution. to Britannia. Beach and Howe Sound. “Our commitment is to improve British Columbia’s environment, and } believe it is criticai we take immediate action to resolve this persistent problem,” said Sihota. In an effort to deal with the most immediate impacts of acid mine runoff into Howe Sound, Sihota said his ministry will replace the drainage pipe, while Copper Beach Estates will have to comply. with the new pollution abatement order. ‘Pulp mill fined HOWE SOUND Pulp and Paper Ltd. has been fined $75,000 for an effluent spill at the company’s Port Melion pulp mill. The fine was imposed in Sechelt provincial court on Nov. 23 after company officials pleaded guilty to violating the Waste Manage- ment Act, It was the company’s. seventh environmental conviction since 1989, - The charge resulted from a June 20,. 1991, incident: in which 350,000 litres (77,000 gallons) of effluent overflowed from a cool- ing tower, Hl Some of the effluent made its way into nearby Rainy River and Howe Sound. B.C. Environment Minister Moe Sithota said the fine sends a message to B.C. companies to clean up their act or! they will be prosecuted. i “This is a substantial fine and shows that tough setion will be taken agi tinst repeal environmental offenders,"' said Sihota, NORTH SHORE LIGHT OPERA requires a romantic lead TENOR with acting experience for THE MIKADO MARCH, 1994 Please call 893-5775 That order requires the devel- opment of a long-range remedia- tion plan to remove contaminants from the discharge. The plan must be in place by July 31, 1994, Sihota said he has told his staff to start work as quickly as possi- ble to replace the system that was damaged during the August 1991 flood at the Britannia townsite. He added that this interim ac- tion will ensure that the worst im- pacts from the mine pollution on the Howe Sound marine habitat are reduced. Crown counsel is currently con- sidering taking legal action in connection with an investigation into the historical problems at the site. NEWS FLASH, ' Gore-Tex® ‘Algonquin Parka’ , Top quality, Canadian Cozy fleece and wool blankets, One of our most popular Christmas giftsi Flashlight Great Stocking Stuffer! Reg. $23.95 ALL WEATHER FASHIONS ¢ CROSS COUNTRY SKIING e ADVENTURE TRAVEL Since 1979 at 201 Lonsdale * 980-3313. ¢ Mon.-Wed. 10- 6, Sat. 930- 530, Sunday 44-5. made Gore-tex? ata great price! one of .C:'s best selections For all your recreation needs ... ... your home away from home Outech Fleece 99 Top Quality, Canadian Made, non-pilling fleece! of sunglasses is right heref light-weight trail/walker. ey woes Check out our great selection of sale priced footwear for Christmas! Check out our great selection of sale priced footwear for Christmas! Reg. 79.95 $ "6 Wayfarer 985-4135 ACT NOW... Prolite 5000 LE ll $4 G29 long win “Wear Fun for the whole family and a very special Christmas gift! great Outdoors Is the North Shore's head quarters for Karhu, Salomon, Trak and Fischer. On complete packages save 0%" 50% ‘Thurs. & Fri. 119 p.m!