ff m iji COMMONWEALTH 8S AT THI 010 HASH BMDGf hent 543 0197 Opn 7 Doyi Wtikly Vol 14 No 132 Pinchi fish unsafe By Greg Mclntyre Citizen Staff Reporter Pinchi Lake a trout fishing lake 80 miles north west of heie has been declared unsafe for fishing bf cause of mercury pollution the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today Connncos mercury mine is sited near the lakeshore but an older wartime mine is blamed Signs will be posted at the small lake north of Fort St James In a week or two re regional � gional wildlife biologist Mor ley Plnsent said today The signs will state Fish In Pinchi Lake have been found to contain unsafe levels of mer mercury � cury and anglers are advised not to eat them A news statement reporting on tests done on fish was releas ed from Victoria by Dr J Hatten director of the Fish and Wild life Branch and Dr JH Smith director of the department of Oc Occupational � cupational Health Pinchi Lake received inten sive scrultiny because of the temporary operation of a mer- cury mine at this site during the last world war the directors said The statement made no mention of the fact that the local branch of the Society for Pollution and Environmental Control has writ ten two letters to Land Forest ana water Resources Minister Ray Williston seeking a public statement on Pinchi Lake mer cury A new mine at this lake op operated � erated by Comlnco has a closed circuit effluent system with no direct discharge into the lake and farther contamination is unlikely to occur reads the statement The mercury level In the flesh of the 20 fish taken from Pinchi Lake In recent months were found BC has things to hide By Pat Murphy Citizen Staff Reporter A union request to all provinces to name major pulp mill pollu polluters � ters got the brush off from British Columbia The International Brotherhood of Pulp Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers sent the questlonalrre from the Montreal headquarters and got good cooperation from every province but BC and Quebec Bill Hickey president of the union local here said he knew the questionnaire went out and that BC had not revealed the names of any polluters He said the reason it was prob ably reJectedbyBCwastheBC policy not to reveal any pollution studies to the public Many of the B C pulp mills have been cited by the federal government as major polluters Howard Webb of the Society for Pollution and Environmental Control agrees with Hickey that the probable reason the re quest was rejected was govern government � ment secrecy SPEC has been trying to get pollution reports from the gov ernment control agency and we have been advised they are not open to the public W e have now made a request to the director of pollution con trol to have the reports released If the research is done with pub lic funds they should let the public know the results Webb said the pulp and paper lndustr was not too concerned with the MLA Ray Williston and his pollution control branch They are more interested in attracting industry than pollution control said Webb Even if the government wont give pollution results to the union they may be able to get them from SPEC The summer project for SPEC Is the survey of the Fraser RlV er for pollution and sources of any pollution found The Prince George chapter W of the British Columbia As Association � sociation for Non Status Indians BCANSI holds a public meet meeting � ing tonight at 806 8th at Cotton wood Island to discuss plans for a handicraft centre The Metis organization here Is a little over three weeks old a Some people cant appreciate w a good thing complains Salmon Valley landowner Every weekend this summer J have had to replace signs warn ing against picnic fires when the fire hazard is extreme he says If the sign destruction doesnt to exceed 05 parts per million of mprcury content Plnsent explained that 05 parts per million is the safe level accepted by most agencies in Canada Levels In Lake Trout Lake Char range from about two to four parts per million mercury while lower but generally unsafe levels were found In Whlteflsh and Rainbow Trout said the provincial directors Fish samples were taken by the Fish and Wildlife branchand analyzed by the Fisheries Board of Canada and by Comlnco Fish sampled In other lakes near Pinchi were found to be safe to eat although their mer mercury � cury content was somewhat high higher � er than that of fish in other parts of the province said the re release � lease These generally higher levels of mercury are probably due to the presence of mercury bearing ore through out the area Plnsent said the Fish and Wild Wildlife � life people have sampled fish from 12 lakes in the Pinchi area The mercury fault runs through the Tezzeron Pinchi and Stuart Lakes he said It s a type of natural occurrence a natural pollution although thats a bad term Pinchi Lake drains Into the Ne chako River and ultimately into the Fraser The wildlife biologist blamed an old mine during the lastworld war for the excessive levels of mercury in the lake Mercury was mined for war time pur purposes � poses The mine there before Com Comlnco � lnco was a slipshod operation This is where we suspect the majority of the stuff comes from said Plnsent Pinchi Is an excellent sport fishing lake for Lake and Rain bow Trout he said Ironically these are the fish which regis tered the highest mercury levels Plnsent said scientists have guessed it may take 20 to 100 years for the mercury level in Pinchi Lake to dilate itself out Over a period of jears the mercury will change from the present unstable Methjl form that penetrates biological sjs- tems Over time the mercury gets adhered into more stable forms he said In its un unstable � stable form as Methjl problems arise Pinsent said the Fish andWlld llfe and Health departmpnts are responsible for the purity of the lake The Pollution Control Branch lsn t responsible for all pollution in the province he said Mills hold strike vote Paper Mill Workers employed at Northwood Pulp are to hold a strike vote at the mill Fridaj and Saturday The vote follows what a union spokesman said were five weeks of futile negotiations withem ployers in Vancouver Also holding a strike vote are members of the United Paper Ma Makers � kers and Paper Workers em employed � ployed at Prince George Pulp and Paper Co There are about 350 workers in the Northwood union and ap approximately � proximately 60 In the paper wor workers � kers union Results of the Northwood vote will be known Monday night said a spokesman An advance poll will be held at a general meeting of the North wood union starting at 7 30 pm in the Simon Fraser Hotel stop he threatens to post trespassing signs on his land a favorite place for picnickers along the river bank near Sal Salmon � mon Valley bridge and down the Salmon Valley road Prince Georges Connaught Hill park makes It in living color on the front page of the Pan Am West Travelog a bro brochure � chure advertising the scenic splendors of highway systems connecting Mexico and Alaska The famous Pan Am links Alas Alaska � ka the Yukon B C Washington Oregon Nevida California and Old Mexico CASUAL VISIT HERE FOR PM Informality will keypote the visit to Prince George of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau August 5 and 6 A casual meet the people stance is being adopted by the prime minister on a short swing through Northern B C and the Yukon said Prince George Peace River MP Bob Borne on Wednesday Borne said he is attempting to arrange a pub he forum for the evening of Aug 5 at which constit uents may question Trudeau It will be as informal as possible said Borne This is to be a working trip where the PM gets out and meets the people Emphasizing that Trudeaus schedule is still tentative Borne said he is to arrive here about 4 p m Aug 5 on a flight from Dawson Creek Trudeau stays overnight here and leaves by helicopter at about 9 30 a m Aug 6 for Quesnel and Barkerville At Barkerville the prime minister will take in the Theatre Royals Stake Your Claim Show produc ed by Fran Dowie Later in the day Trudeau will fly on to Williams Lake and Bella Coola eventually touching down in Prince Rupert From Prince Rupert Trudeau returns to Ottawa said Borne MP Borne said he has asked Mayor Harold Mof fat to chair the planned public forum here on Aug 5 The Prime Minister was last in Prince George in June 1968 during the federal election campaign Meanwhile Borne is off to Dawson Creek today to firm up arrangements for Trudeaus six hour visit there on Aug 4 A party of about 20 will accompany the prime minister Yellowhead 16 bylaw passed The provincial government ap approved � proved Wednesday a bylaw aimed at developing the 10000 square mile area spanned by the Yel Yellowhead � lowhead Route from Dome Creek to the Alberta border Fraser Fort George Region Regional � al District is expected to adopt the bylaw at its next meeting in time for the official opening of the highway August 15 Bylaw 18 will allow for a con controlled � trolled development of recrea recreational � tional and service facilities along the provinces newest scenic highway Chander Suri regional district planner said today the district envisions six development cen centres � tres 40 miles apart as the Instruments for controlled growth A development centre ac according � cording to Surl Is a relatively new concept in area planning Specific areas along the high highway � way will be zoned for recreation recreational � al or service facilities Surroun Surrounding � ding each core area will be a residential zone and then a rural zone Members of the International On Daoer the idea is envisioned Broherhood of Pulp Sulphite and as a series of concentric circles with the service area or recrea recreational � tional facility as the core Isolating specific areas for de development � velopment will prevent the kind of development sprawl that has characterized many highways throughout BC including the Hart Highway outside of Prince George said Surl One advantage of the plan Surl explained is that it will ensure the survival of businesses along the route If a gas station Is construc constructed � ted for example every few miles then each gas station will be threatened by a hard struggle to keep on top of its competitors Forty-mile-intervals were ad adapted � apted as a typical driving dis distance � tance for motorists who wish to make stops en route to their destination It will keep thehlghwav scen scenic � ic Surl said and keep the traffic moving at a steady speed If service areas are consoli consolidated � dated regional planners believe it will be more feasible to ser service � vice them with water fire pro protection � tection ti asportation and other amenities for businessmen and their families who would live along the route In a sense the development centres are the prototypes for mini towns which can be ex expanded � panded when the need arises but existing communities along the route will be encouraged to flourish The businessmen are assured of sound development so It will be easier to get financial Pack Packing � ing said Suri Once the bylaw is adapted it may be several years before full scale development takes place since investors and developers will be watching the traffic trend along the highway But regional district has al already � ready approved a number of pro projects � jects along the route at some of the centres including camp campsites � sites and restaurants Surl said the development cen centre � tre idea grew after intensive feasibility studies of the Yel Yellowhead � lowhead area and after compari comparisons � sons with other areas PPPPPPPJ CHANDER SURI plant development JS 1 The Citizen 24 Pages Forecast - Sonny with few cloudy periods PRINCE GEORGE BRITISH COLUMBIA THURSDAY JULY 9 1970 Mercury in lake Phone 562 2441 96 hp 96HP E3 PICKUPS ire in 40 MORE HORSFPOWER 105 Brum wck SI Ph 563 0581 oo pir month JP r in 10c f Copy au IYCA vfijf uPPJPPjPPjPPJ1PJPJHBJBBjPPj1k jESfc a Ttfft- 3T- f fL iy bZx ff Tu vj 3BBpLEjBbI mm j Tsr t azGLzr O v m w Cottonwood Island residents explored the problems and virtues of city life with Bob Borne Liberal MP for the Prince George Peace River riding Wednesday From left are CYC volunteers Mark Holtby and Bob Parris and former Borrie follows LeDain 3000 beds needed By Bob Groves Citizen Staff Reporter One of the largest hunts for lodging in Prince George history is now underway Local Jehovahs Witnesses are faced with the task of ac accommodating � commodating upwards of 3000 delegates for their dis district � trict convention here July 16 to 19 It will probably be the big biggest � gest convention ever to be held here About 2000 of the delegates will be lodged in area hotels motels and trailer courts Sleeping accommodatlonfoi remaining out-of-town dele delegates � gates has to be found In pri private � vate homes Between 700 and 800 dele delegates � gates will have to be ac accommodated � commodated in this way es estimates � timates Tom Lougheed lod lodging � ging supervisor for the con convention � vention Lougheed said three clty wlde canvasses turned up beds for 655 delegates but cancel cancellations � lations have reduced the fig figure � ure to 540 His committee began its search for space more than a month ago and Lougheed said he is confident enough accom accommodation � modation can be found Lougheed said he was dis disappointed � appointed the school board turned down a convention re request � quest to use the student dorm dormitories � itories on Walnwright St ftiere must have been a good reason for it though he said Convention assemblies will be held in the Coliseum and the piogram will consist of Bible lectures discussions symposiums and costumed Bible dramas Theme of the convention Is Men of Goodwill and con convention � vention manager William Veenstra said the whole purpose of the convention will be to discuss means of promp prompting � ting a deeper respect for the Inspired wisdom of the Bible It is designed to Involve the whole family The entire progiam will contribute greatly In build building � ing stronger family units Convention highlight say officials will be the Sunday afternoon address Saving the human race in the King Kingdom � dom way to be given by Kenneth Little of Toronto Canadian branch manager for the Jehovahs Witnesses Delegates will be fed at a cafeteria to be set up In the the Civic Centre and capable of turning out 1500 meals an hour They will consume some 3 800 pounds of fish 3800 pounds of beef and prepared meats poultry along with some 11 tons of vegetables fruits and staples The public has been Invited to all convention sessions v i W trustee Bruno Randt Borrie spent a few hours in the citys newest neighborhood as part of an inspection of his Prince George constituency For a story on CYCs first week on the island see page 8 Citizen photo by Dave Milne MP wants comments on drugs By Steve Handelman Citizen Staff Reporter Opinions on society s drug problem are sought by Prince George Peace River MP Bob Borrie Borrie said in Prince George Wednesday he wants to sound his constituents views on the Le LeDain � Dain Commission report on the non medical use of drugs tabled in the House of Commons June 19 The LeDain report which re recommends � commends an easing of penal penalties � ties for possession of drugs like marijuana and LSD will form the basis of new legislation when the House reconvenes in the fall This lends a note of urgency to the whole question makingitim perathe for MPs to discover the feelings of the electorate said Borrie Borrie said he particularly wants to guage opinion regarding a LeDain recommendation that control of marijuana bo shifted to the Food and Drug Act from the Narcotic Control Act The LeDain report also re recommended � commended that possession of marijuana deemed a non-narcotic not be punishable by Imprisonment Asked for his own views of the recommendations Borrie repli replied � ed My own opinion would go this far I dont believe any joung person who is caught for the first time in possession of marijuana should be faced with a jail sen sentence � tence and a drug record fur the rest of his life Although such records are expunged after five years it Is still something that hangs over a joung persons head Borrie added howver Idon t believe any drug should be le legalized � galized simply because of Its greater usage any more than because we have more murders W3 should legalize murder He said that as far as he was aware penalties under the Food and Drug Act can be just as strong as those under the Nar Narcotic � cotic Control Act but that the offender would not be faced with a criminal record The MP said he feels public reaction to the LeDain report has been mainly emotional and not based on factual information Its pretty difficult for them the public to look at it any other way he conceded If he can establish a dialogue with his constituents Borrie feels more rational channels of discussion will be opened up Opinion of legislators on the drug problem Is widely divided he said Some MPs say marijuana should be legalized immediately and some say no this would lead to a too permissive society This is why I think wsve got to get out and talk to the people about it Borrie invited any interested persons to contact him at CC4 6275 starting Mondav after he returns from a swing through the northern portion of his rid riding � ing Open pit for Babine Noranda Mines has announced plans to build a 33000000 open pit copper mine at the north end of Babine Lake and have it In production within one year A Noranda spokesman said contracts to clear the land bull ding tenders and plans for oper operation � ation of the plant are prepared but have not yet been released Three area hospitals hope to build soon Three hospitals in the Fraser Fort George District are look looking � ing for construction bids Regional district was notified Wednesday it is free to go to tender for the Mackenzie hospital And hospitals In Vanderhoof and Fort St Jams have posted an invitation to tender pend pending � ing treasury board approval of their projects Most qualified sources are apprehensive that the current labor situation in the province will delay construction of the badly needed hospitals BUI Mllllgan hospital admln- I lstrator at Fort St James hos pital said Early indications have not been encouraging Tenders were called for at this time since the board Is look looking � ing for an August 1st contract date Milllgan added Delay beyond this into winter is expensive The hospital at Vanderhoof will accommodate 45 patients in a two storey approximately 50000 square foot concrete frame structure on piles The hospital in FortSt James will accommodate 25 patients in a single storey approximately 2200 square foot wood frame structure The Mackenzie hospital wlllbe a pre fabrlcated 18 bed facili facility � ty capable of expansion to 35 beds It will be built in North Vancouver shipped northbyrail and assembled on site The pre fab modular Macken Mackenzie � zie structure will be the first of its type In British Columbia Regional District Director Harry Loder said today the ori original � ginal construction price approv approved � ed by the government for Mac Mackenzie � kenzie Hospital was 650000 The figure Is now about 7 86 000 he said The difference will be made up by the district through local area taxation A BC mining inspector said the proposals have been submit ted to the Victoria office and the department is working closely with the company Plans were first made seven years ago to explore the mine site The mine will consist of min mining � ing and processing areas and the daily yield will be 10000 tons when the plant Is in full oper at Ion The mine will become a sep separate � arate company called BellCopper Division of Noranda Mines It Is named after Dr Archie Bell the officer who explored the area for Noranda The bulk of the emplovees will come from the Prince George district and only specialized workmen will be brought in by Noranda The spokesman said they had no plans to make the site a company town The plant will concentrate the copper for shipment to Japan the probable major customer No construction date or con tractor has jet been released by the company yet and government officials here said Noranda has not Informed them of any strict schedule in starting the mine construction Forestry officers will have to map the land out before tenders are accepted I iflfjpjpj5pj9 iJijViJiJH gjlpppppppj e PjPjPjPjPjV IpSr PjPjPjPj SkS3 Jehovahs Witness Dale Gordon canvasses the home of Mrs Barbara Ball billet form in hand to find a place for some of the 3000 Witnesses expected in town -Citizen photo