Cyanide Salmon -- hold the MayoNever a positive sign when Eagle leads a shrill CBC newscast https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-eagle-mine-cyanide-leak-salmon-1.7265585
Cyanide solution leaking at Eagle Mine near Mayo, Yukon, may have complex impacts on the surrounding environment — but especially, experts say, on salmon.
On July 4, Yukon government officials said cyanide concentration levels of 0.04 milligrams per litre were detected in nearby Haggart Creek, which is on the traditional territory of Na-Cho Nyk Dun.
Few details have been shared about the amount of cyanide present in the groundwater in the area from the territorial government, but several experts on the ground told CBC they believe there is significant leaching of cyanide solution into groundwater at the site.
That news comes as first reports roll in on the summer's returning salmon numbers. The Stewart River watershed is an important thoroughfare for spawning salmon and connected to Haggart Creek.
"We're seeing historically disastrous run levels right now," said Dennis Zimmermann, a board member for the Yukon salmon sub-committee.