Fallout from the accidental release of water from the McLean Mill log pond has become a torrent.
John Adams says government inspectors have put a hold on his 25 cattle until they can test for carcinogens that may have flowed downstream when a dam was opened into Kitsuksis Creek.
The Beaufort-district rancher says his cattle may have been poisoned after rust water was released from the McLean Mill log pond in September
Adams lives less than 300 metres downstream, and said he’s been asking for the testing for years, knowing about the chemicals used at the mill in the 1940’s.
Samples taken after the September spill show high levels of Cobalt in the water, and high levels of dioxins, furans, and mercury in one sediment location.
Biologist Dave Clough said Cobalt levels were 200% above Canadian standards for drinking water, but well below levels for aquatic life and agricultural uses.
Adams said the fate of his farm rests with more detailed tests of his cows, the water quality, and the McLean Mill site.
City CAO Tim Pley said consultants will be brought in to conduct more tests, and develop a plan to upgrade the log pond dam.