Environment Canada's Enforcement Branch has been advised of the recent dead fish found at Teck Resource Limited's Greenhills Operation, said a media relations agent and spokesperson at Environment Canada.
Natalie Huneault said a file has been opened on the matter.
"Currently, enforcement officers are working with partners including British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment to assess the situation with respect to potential violations of the Fisheries Act," Huneault said in an email to The Free Press. "It would be inappropriate to provide further information at this time."
During dewatering of a spillway pool at Greenhills Operation, fish were found in the pool and nearly half were dead.
After the fish were discovered on Aug. 27, work was stopped and four days later the fish that were still alive were relocated to Greenhills Creek. Approximately 70 fish were relocated; 65 were found dead.
In an email to The Free Press, Chris Stannell, senior communications specialist with Teck Resources Limited, said the company is taking the issue “very seriously” and have notified the proper regulatory authorities.
“At this time, there is no indication of any longer-term environmental impact, as the mortality is believed to be connected to the dewatering work,” Stannell said.
The story will be updated as new information is made available.