Northern Band Monitoring Mercury In Lakes

Northern Band Monitoring Mercury In Lakes

Monday, January 12, 2009 at 15:14

 

 

The chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band says she is satisfied with the steps being taken to address mercury problems in two northern Saskatchewan lakes.

 

Last month, the north’s chief medical health officer issued a health advisory warning residents of mercury in Yew Lake and Long Lake.

 

According to a release from the band, fish at Yew Lake should not be eaten due to the presence of mercury and other metals.

 

The band says fish at Long Lake are fit for occasional consumption, but may pose a risk to children and pregnant women.

 

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson says her band is working with both the government and industry to address the problem.

 

Cook-Searson says band officials first learned of the contamination last spring through the environmental impact statement process undertaken by Golden Band Resources, which is partnering with the band to establish gold mining operations in the Grandmother’s Bay area.

 

A government spokesman says signs warning residents of the problem will be put up in about three weeks.

 

He is not sure how the mercury will be rectified long-term, but says a task force is being struck to tackle the issue.