Should the Sugar Zone Mine Expand Its Tailings Facility and Increase Water Discharge?
Official title: Silver Lake Ontario Inc. - Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)
Silver Lake Ontario wants to expand its gold mine north of White River. The company needs approval to build a new tailings storage facility and increase how much treated water it can release into Gagegenha Lake—from 2,100 to 2,600 cubic metres daily. They're also asking to change some pollution limits based on new environmental studies.
Why This Matters
Live near White River or use Gagegenha Lake? This decision affects your local water. The mine wants to release 24% more treated water into the lake daily. If you fish, swim, or draw water from the area, you might want to weigh in on whether the new pollution limits are protective enough.
What Could Change
If approved, the mine could build a new tailings facility with pipelines for waste rock storage. Daily water discharge to Gagegenha Lake would jump from 2,100 to 2,600 cubic metres. Some monthly pollution limits would also change based on the Ministry's review of environmental studies.
Key Issues
- Should the mine be allowed to increase water discharge to Gagegenha Lake by 24%?
- Are the proposed changes to monthly pollution limits protective enough for the local environment?
- Should the new South Tailings Management Facility be approved?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on this consultation page. Note the ERO number 025-1391 for your submission.
- Submit your comment online using the Submit a comment button on the consultation page.
- Or email your feedback to enviropermissions@ontario.ca with ERO number 025-1391 in the subject line.