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HOME TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledge ments Report Contributors SECTION 1. SUMMARY SECTION 2. PROJECT AND WATERSHED DESCRIPTION SECTION 3. VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SECTION 4. MEDIA AND PUBLIC EVENTS SECTION 5. ACID MINE DRAINAGE SECTION 6. WATER MONITORING SECTION 7. FISH HABITAT MAPPING PROGRAMS SECTION 8. REFUGE POND STUDIES SECTION 9. RESTORATION PROJECTS SECTION 10. FLOWS AND STORAGE REPORT SECTION 11. ENHANCEMENT CONTACT US
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MEDIA RELEASE--IMMEDIATETsolum River Restoration SocietySociety says: No More Studies. Just Do the Job. Following the September 14 public meeting, in Courtenay, the Society's President, Dave Ferguson says "The Tsolum River Restoration Society (TRRS) believes that there is a practical and effective solution to the copper contamination of the Tsolum River which has been going on since the Mt. Washington Mine was abandoned in 1967. " "The partial cover installed in 1988 appears to have reduced copper
in the river by as much as half. Let's finish the job. Let's cover the
remaining uncovered section of the mine pit with a cover that incorporates
state-of-the art technology. Let's complete the diversion of the small
amount of water that presently infiltrates the site from above the mine
pit."
It's 2001, and the job is still not done. The TRRS is frustrated that the Comox Valley has suffered economic loss for more than 30 years at an estimated rate of $2,000,000 annually as a result of inaction. The mine site has been studied by local and global experts; over seven in-depth reports have been written; but very little action has been taken. Jackie Sandiford lives on the Tsolum River. She is excited about this
year's salmon returns, the highest since 1976. Sandiford suggests "People
should go and see these fish, they are inspiring! It is devastating to
know that one high copper release could wipe out the fry."
The Tsolum River is Vancouver Island's most endangered river. The Tsolum River is within the constituency of the Minister of Sustainable Resource Management, our MLA. Mr. Hagen was the driving force behind the partial remediation of the mine in 1988. The Society is hopeful that the remaining work can be completed quickly. The Society has offered to do anything that it can to facilitate a process for the reduction of the pollution and identifying the parties--industry and government--responsible for paying for the remediation. The Tsolum River Restoration Society calls on the people of the Comox Valley to actively support "the big cover up" and to take a hand in healing our river. Petitions and fact sheets are available from Dave Ferguson at 334-2375
and from Jackie Sandiford 337-5914.
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Contact: Dave Ferguson 334-2375, daveferg@crosswinds.net Jackie Sandiford 337-5914 tsolumr@mars.ark.com
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