Teck Trail Operations is investigating a high pH solution discharge on Tuesday.
The company issued a press release Friday explaining up to 25 cubic metres of the solution was discharged into the domestic sewer line.
The line leads to the regional district’s sewer treatment plant before discharging into the Columbia River.
“This solution would normally be routed to our Effluent Treatment Plant for treatment prior to discharge via our permitted outfall,” explained Richard Deane, manager, Environment Health & Safety and Public Affairs for Teck.
The company press release added 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.
“The piping that resulted in this incident has been removed and all connections to domestic sewer piping at Trail Operations are being checked,” said Deane.
There is not expected to be any long-term impact on fish or the environment,” said the company’s statement.
Deane said a third-party environmental impact assessment will be held. Independent environmental consulting firms are generally contracted to carry our assessments.