Teck will pay $195,000 to the non-profit Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and pay a $5,000 fine and Maxam Explosives Inc (Maxam) will pay $145,000 to Habit Conservation Trust Foundation and pay a $5,000 fine due to one Environmental Management Act charge each related to a 2014 sheep mortality incident at Greenhills Operations (GHO).

In July 2014, five deceased bighorn sheep were found in an area at Greenhills Operations where materials used for blasting are kept. It is believed the sheep ingested materials stored in the area.

“Following an investigation, it was concluded that the sheep likely died as a result of ingestion of materials stored onsite at Greenhills and used for blasting,” says Nic Milligan, Manager, Community & Aboriginal Affairs with Teck.

Authorities were immediately notified when the sheep were found. There was no human health risk associated with the incident, and no indication of any long-term impacts to wildlife or the environment. Following the incident, GHO and supplier Maxam implemented additional safeguards and procedures, including increased materials storage and handling measures, video surveillance, and enhanced training for employees.

“We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and a thorough investigation was undertaken following this incident, resulting in a number of measures to prevent a reoccurrence,” says Milligan.