TRAIL, B.C. – The operator of the giant zinc and lead smelter in Trail, B.C., says runoff water is believed to have discharged into a creek near its plant after a break in a line from a old landfill area to a treatment facility.
Teck Metals (TSX:TCK.A) says it’s not known how much of the water containing metals may have emptied into Stoney Creek.
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The company says the water discharged for up to 20 minutes before it was contained.
The company says regulatory authorities were immediately notified.
A Teck statement says there is no risk to human health and an assessment of potential environmental impacts will be done.
“It is estimated 90 litres of liquid spilled into Stoney Creek which discharges into the Columbia River,” said the Ministry of the Environment in a statement.
“The Ministry of Environment and Washington State have been notified along with other relevant agencies. Samples of the material were taken today and sample results will be provided once available.”