Up to 25 cubic metres of a high pH solution was discharged to a domestic sewer line that goes to the regional district sewage treatment plant, Teck Trail Operations confirmed on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Sodium hydroxide solution went through the plant with “limited effect,” and was then discharged into the Columbia River.
Regulatory authorities including the Provincial Emergency Program, Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada were notified of the incident.
Teck is conducting a full investigation and additional operational safeguards have already been implemented.
A company spokesperson said there does not expect to be any long-term impact on the river's aquatic life or surrounding environment, but a third-party environmental impact assessment will be conducted to confirm.