Jackal
Since 17 Dec 2005
147 Posts
WS
Stoked
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 Fri May 30, 08 8:43 am New hazardous spill coming our way |
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Here's some refreshing news for all us about to play in the river this weekend. I know ignorance is bliss, as this spill isn't going to stop me from kiting, but its troublesome hearing these things.
What's really scary is the the spills we don't know about......Glad the river's running so high!
From Seattle Times 5/30
Spokane
Leak spills lead, acid into Columbia River
Washington state is monitoring a lead and acid spill into the Columbia River from the massive Teck Cominco lead and zinc smelter just across the border in Trail, B.C.
A leak in a lead refinery pipe triggered an alarm late Wednesday afternoon and led to the shutdown of the electrolytic refining plant at the smelter complex on the banks of the Columbia. Some of the acid, which contained lead, ended up in the river, said David W. Godlewski, Teck Cominco American's spokesman in Spokane.
Teck Cominco said the spill involved a solution containing hydrofluoric acid and lead.
The spill lasted for about four hours, and the state Department of Ecology said it was told that approximately 2,100 pounds of lead and 100 gallons of acid were released into the river. British Columbia and Washington state officials were trying to determine the possible effects on public health and the environment. |
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