'Hard to comprehend': Inspector flags widespread fuel staining, spills near Gahcho Kué Mine

A recent inspection of the Margaret Lake camp near Gahcho Kué Mine found the site "in disarray," according to an N.W.T. resource officer.

In an inspection report from June 19, an officer with the department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) found the camp had significant hydrocarbon staining — meaning, petroleum or natural gas marks — on roadsides, open areas and around buildings, and that garbage had piled up around the site. 

"It was apparent while on approach to the site via helicopter that the condition of the site was in disarray!" inspector Tom Bradbury wrote in the report. "It was hard to comprehend the sheer amount of hydrocarbon staining and spillage observed throughout the site without having completed the inspection!"

De Beers Group operates the mine, and one of their contractors, Nuna Logistics, manages the Margaret Lake camp. It's around 40 kilometres northwest of Gahcho Kué mine, and Nuna Logistics uses it to build and maintain the winter road that connects the mine to the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road.

Bradbury wrote that site staff are not doing enough to prevent or clean up spills or to remove scrap materials. He pointed to extensive spillage near the spur road, which he said had a strong odour. 

He said there seemed to be a lack of attention and action in preventing and cleaning up leaks.

He added there was a lot of scrap material and miscellaneous waste piles that should have been removed during the winter road season. 

He has directed De Beers and Nuna to submit regular reports with photos and data over the summer. If the companies don't take proper steps, they could face fines of up to $100,000.

Bradbury said a follow-up inspection would be conducted at the site at the end of the summer.

In an email to CBC, ECC wrote that a thorough cleanup should address most of the staining and waste piles, but better fuel handling is needed going forward.

Internal investigation 

A De Beers spokesperson said in an email they take this matter seriously, and that "the protection of the land and water where we operate is of the utmost importance." 

De Beers wrote they have initiated an internal investigation and instructed Nuna Logistics to address the situation.

Jarda Slavik, Nuna's president and chief operating officer, said the site condition does not reflect their high environmental standards.

"We will be developing a plan to actively remediate the contaminated areas … and will take immediate corrective action," Slavik wrote in an email.

Concern from Indigenous governments

Ernest Betsina, chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, said he's "surprised and disturbed" by the inspection report. 

He said he thinks both companies should have acted sooner.

Betsina said he is concerned for future land use as well. He said better land use practices are expected from mining companies so they can continue to use the land after the mines are gone.

"The land has to be brought back to its original state or close to its original state," he said.

Betsina said the First Nation will also follow up with De Beers and Nuna to ensure proper cleanup. 

Brett Wheler is the senior adviser with the Tłı̨chǫ Government's department of culture and lands protection. 

In an email, he said it is good to see the land use inspector's diligence in documenting these issues and requiring immediate remedial actions from the company, but he said the Tłı̨chǫ Government expects the companies to take steps to protect the land.

If the land is impacted, he said the companies should take urgent action to remediate.