Britannia Contaminated Sites Investigation Stage I Preliminary Site ...

January 2002 

File 50319-001 

Britannia 

Contaminated Sites Investigation 

Stage I 

Preliminary Site Investigation 

Britannia Mine Site, British Columbia 

for BC Ministry of Water, Land and 

Air Protection

BRITANNIA CONTAMINATED SITE INVESTIGATION 

STAGE I PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION 

BRITANNIA MINE SITE, BRITISH COLUMBIA 

Prepared for: 

BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 

c/o Golder Associates Ltd. 

500 – 4260 Still Creek Drive 

Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6 

Prepared by: 

URS Norecol Dames & Moore Inc. 

Suite 1900, 650 West Georgia Street 

Vancouver, BC V6B 4N7 

Project No. 50319-001-310 

January 29, 2002

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This report presents the findings of the Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) completed by 

URS Norecol Dames & Moore (URS) of the Britannia Mine Site (Britannia Mine) on Howe 

Sound in British Columbia. The purpose of this work is to identify the known and potential 

sources of contamination associated with surface activities at Britannia Mine. This work was 

commissioned by the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 

(BCMWLAP) and meets BCMWLAP’s requirements for submission for review. 

The Stage I PSI included the following tasks: 

• interviews with people having personal knowledge about the history of activities at the 

Britannia Mine; 

• a review of historical information from a variety of sources, including historical aerial 

photographs, historical maps, plans and historical photographs from the Britannia Museum of 

Mining archives and historical photographs, Insurance Advisory Organization (IAO) fire 

insurance maps, British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines (BCMEM) annual reports, 

reports of previous environmental investigations at Britannia Mine, books on the history of 


• online searches of the BCMWLAP Site Registry and Groundwater Well databases; 

• a visual reconnaissance along with photographic documentation; and 

• preparation of this written report. 

The Britannia Mine covers a large area divided between the Britannia Creek and Furry Creek 

watersheds that encompasses numerous distinct and separate sites where mining and related 

activities have occurred (shown on Figure 1). For purposes of the Britannia Contaminated Sites 

Investigation, a distinction has been made between Britannia Beach (Fan Area), located adjacent 

to Howe Sound, and the rest of the Britannia Mine area (Additional Areas). The Fan Area was 

the site of milling, processing, and support activities related to the mine operation. Activities at 

the various Additional Areas locations consisted primarily of open pit and underground mining 

and operations with limited mineral processing. The following sites comprise the Additional 

Areas: 

• 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine); 

• Mt. Sheer Townsite; 

• Victoria Camp; 

• Beta Camp; 

• Empress Camp; 

Britannia Contaminated Site Investigation 

Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation 

Project No. 50319-001-310 i

• Barbara Camp; 

• Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (including sawmill and landfill 1.5 km to the 

northwest); and 

• Halfway Town. 

Evaluation of the Jane Basin (open pit complex), where potential contaminants flow into the 

underground mine workings, is not within the scope of work for URS. 

The elevations and mine level designations assigned by the Britannia Mine for the Fan Area and 

the specific sites within the Additional Area are presented in Table 1. 

Based on the review of historical information, the general chronological history of Britannia 

Mine and the specific histories for each site are summarized and presented in Section 3.1. 

Summaries of historical information of buildings, structures, equipment and features associated 

with potential environmental concerns are presented in Tables 2 to 8, and the historical locations 

are presented on Figures 2 to 7. A site reconnaissance was conducted to note any visual evidence 

of soil contamination, surface water contamination, and contaminant sources. The results of the 

site reconnaissances are summarized in Tables 9 to 13. 

Based on information compiled from the historical sources and the site reconnaissance, 

Contaminants of Concern (COCs), Potential Contaminants of Concern (PCOCs) and Areas of 

Environmental Concern (AECs) have been determined for the Fan Area; and PCOCs and Areas 

of Potential Environmental Concerns (APECs) have been determined for the Additional Areas. 

The AECs, APECs, COCs, and PCOCs are summarized in Tables 14 to 21 and the locations are 

shown on Figures 8 to 14. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Project No. 50319-001-310 iii 

Page 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................ i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................iii 

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................ v 

LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................................... vi 

LIST OF APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................. vi 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1 

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 1 

2.1 SITE LOCATION............................................................................................................... 1 

2.2 LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND OWNERSHIP................................................................... 3 

2.3 GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROGEOLOGICAL REVIEW ................................................ 3 

3.0 HISTORICAL REVIEW.................................................................................................................. 4 

3.1 SUMMARY OF HISTORY................................................................................................ 5 

3.1.1 Chronological History of the Britannia Mine, B.C................................................. 6 

3.1.2 History of Specific Buildings and Activities at Britannia Mine, B.C................... 12 

3.1.2.1 Fan Area ........................................................................................... 12 

3.1.2.2 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) ............................................................... 15 

3.1.2.3 Mt. Sheer Townsite .......................................................................... 16 

3.1.2.4 Victoria Camp .................................................................................. 17 

3.1.2.5 Beta Camp ........................................................................................ 18 

3.1.2.6 Empress Camp.................................................................................. 19 

3.1.2.7 Barbara Camp................................................................................... 19 

3.1.2.8 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & 

Landfill 1.5 km to the Northwest) .................................................... 20 

3.1.2.9 Halfway Town .................................................................................. 21 

3.1.2.10 Other Sites of Operations/Camps/Portals ......................................... 22 

3.1.2.11 Lands Adjacent to Britannia Mine.................................................... 22 

3.2 BC MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND AIR PROTECTION (BCMWLAP)............ 23 

3.2.1 Site Registry......................................................................................................... 23 

3.2.2 Groundwater Database Search ............................................................................. 23 

4.0 SITE RECONNAISSANCE ..........................................................................................................24 

4.1 FAN AREA....................................................................................................................... 24 

4.2 ADDITIONAL AREAS.................................................................................................... 27 

4.2.1 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine)................................................................................... 27 

4.2.2 Mt. Sheer Townsite.............................................................................................. 28 

4.2.3 Victoria Camp...................................................................................................... 29 

4.2.4 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & Landfill 1.5 

km Northwest)...................................................................................................... 30 

4.2.5 Halfway Town...................................................................................................... 31 

4.3 LAND USE AT ADJACENT LANDS............................................................................. 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS (concluded) 



Project No. 50319-001-310 iv 

Page 

5.0 PROTOCOL 5 ............................................................................................................................... 31 

6.0 REGULATORY CONTEXT......................................................................................................... 32 

7.0 CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................................ 32 

7.1 FAN AREA....................................................................................................................... 33 

7.2 ADDITIONAL AREAS.................................................................................................... 37 

7.2.1 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine)................................................................................... 38 

7.2.2 2200 Mt. Sheer Townsite..................................................................................... 39 

7.2.3 Victoria Camp...................................................................................................... 39 

7.2.4 Beta Camp............................................................................................................ 40 

7.2.5 Empress Camp ..................................................................................................... 41 

7.2.6 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill and Landfill 1.5 

km Northwest)...................................................................................................... 41 

7.2.7 Halfway Town...................................................................................................... 42 

8.0 REPORT USE AND LIMITATIONS............................................................................................ 42 

9.0 DISCLAIMER ............................................................................................................................... 44 

10.0 PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT.................................................................................................. 44 

11.0 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 45 

FIGURES 

APPENDICES 

PROTOCOL 5

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1 Elevations and Corresponding Mine Levels for Britannia Mine Sites.......................... 2 

Historical Summaries of Buildings, Structures, Equipment & Features 

Associated with Potential Environmental Concerns: 

Table 2 Fan Area ..................................................................................................................... 13 

Table 3 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) ......................................................................................... 15 

Table 4 Mt. Sheer Townsite..................................................................................................... 17 

Table 5 Victoria Camp............................................................................................................. 18 

Table 6 Beta Camp .................................................................................................................. 19 

Table 7 Head of Incline & 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & Landfill 1.5 km 

Northwest) .................................................................................................................. 21 

Table 8 Halfway Town ............................................................................................................ 22 

Site Reconnaissance Findings: 

Table 9 Fan Area ..................................................................................................................... 24 




Table 13 Head of Incline & 2700 Portal Area ........................................................................... 30 

AECs/APECs & PCOCs: 

Table 14 Fan Area & Immediately Adjacent Additional Area................................................... 33 




Table 18 Beta Camp .................................................................................................................. 40 

Table 19 Empress Camp............................................................................................................41 

Table 20 Head of Incline & 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & Landfill 1.5 km 

Northwest) .................................................................................................................. 41 

Table 21 Halfway Town ............................................................................................................42 



Project No. 50319-001-310 v

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1 Study Areas 

Figure 2 Fan Area Site Plan with Current and Historical Features 

Figure 3 Mt. Sheer Townsite and 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) Site Plan with Current 

and Historical Structures and Features 

Figure 4 Victoria and Beta Camps Site Plan of Historical Structures and Features 

Figure 5 Barbara and Empress Camps Site Plan of Historical Structures and Features 

Figure 6 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill 1.5 km NW) 

Figure 7 Halfway Town Site Plan of Historical Structures and Features 

Figure 8 Fan Area AECs and PCOCs Related to Metals Contamination 

Figure 9 Fan Area AECs and PCOCs Related to Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Other 

Contaminants 

Figure 10 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) / Mt. Sheer Townsite APECs and PCOCs 

Figure 11 Victoria and Beta Camps APECs and PCOCs 

Figure 12 Empress Camp APEC and PCOC 

Figure 13 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill and Landfill 1.5 km 

NW) APECs and PCOCs 

Figure 14 Halfway Town APECs and PCOCs 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

Appendix A Legal Description and Limited Historical Title Search Documentation 

Appendix B Aerial Photograph Review 

Appendix C Historical Maps, Plans and Photos 

Appendix D BCMWLAP Data 

Appendix E Photographic Documentation 



Project No. 50319-001-310 vi

BRITANNIA CONTAMINATED SITE INVESTIGATION 

STAGE I PRELIMINARY SITE INVESTIGATION 

BRITANNIA MINE SITE, BRITISH COLUMBIA 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This report presents the findings of the Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) completed by 

URS Norecol Dames & Moore (URS) of the Britannia Mine Site (Britannia Mine) on Howe 

Sound in British Columbia. The purpose of this work is to identify the known and potential 

sources of contamination associated with surface activities at Britannia Mine. This work was 

commissioned by the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 

(BCMWLAP). 

The report meets BCMWLAP requirements for submission for review. The scope of work for 

this study was limited to the following tasks: 

• interviews with persons knowledgeable about the history of activities and operations at the 


• review of available information from various sources with respect to historical activities and 

locations of buildings, structures and equipment; 

• a visual reconnaissance along with photographic documentation; and 

• preparation of this written report. 

The scope of work did not include sampling of site soils, groundwater, or building materials. 

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 

This section of the report provides a description of the site location and a brief summary of the 

geologic and hydrogeologic setting of the site. 

2.1 SITE LOCATION 

The Britannia Mine covers a large area divided between the Britannia Creek and Furry Creek 

watersheds. Within this area, there are numerous distinct and separate sites where mining and 

related activities have occurred. The Jane Basin (open pit complex), where any potential 

contaminants flow into the underground mine workings is not within the scope of work for URS. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 1

A brief summary of the Jane Basin operations is provided in Section 3.1.2.10. Figure 1 shows 

the Britannia Mine and the individual sites within. 

For purposes of the Britannia Contaminated Sites Investigation, a distinction has been made 

between Britannia Beach (Fan Area), located adjacent to Howe Sound, and the rest of the 

Britannia Mine area (Additional Areas). The Fan Area was the site of milling, processing, and 

support activities related to the mine operation. Activities at the various Additional Areas 

locations consisted primarily of open pit and underground mining and operations with limited 

mineral processing. The Additional Areas comprise the following sites: 

• 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine); 

• Mt. Sheer Townsite; 

• Victoria Camp; 

• Beta Camp; 

• Empress Camp; 

• Barbara Camp; 

• Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (including sawmill and landfill 1.5 km to the 

northwest); and 

• Halfway Town. 

The Fan Area and Additional Areas sites are shown in detail on Figures 2 to 12. 

There are several minor sites immediately adjacent to the Britannia Creek fan that were 

associated with activities in the Fan Area. For ease of discussion, these are addressed within the 

Fan Area sections of this report. 

The various sites at the Britannia Mine were assigned designations, based on elevation, known as 

“mine levels”. This convention followed a system of reverse elevation levels, with the mine 

level at the highest elevation assigned “0” and the descending mine levels assigned numbers in 

ascending order down to sea level. Since the elevation of the highest mine level at the Britannia 

Mine (the original workings at the open pit complex) was initially 4300’, the 4300 mine level 

refers to the Fan Area. Table 1 lists the corresponding mine levels and actual elevations above 

sea level for the Britannia Mine sites noted above. Mine levels were not assigned to the sawmill, 

landfill and Halfway Town, as these were not actual mine sites. 

Table 1 

Elevations and Corresponding Mine Levels for Britannia Mine Sites 

Location Mine Level Elevation (feet) Elevation 

(metric) 

Fan Area 4300 0 0 

Head of Incline and 2700 

Portal Area 

2700 1600 487 

2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine)/ 2200 2100 640 

Mt. Sheer Townsite 

Victoria Camp 1800 2500 762 

Beta Camp 1600 2625 800 

Empress Camp 1050 3250 990 



Project No. 50319-001-310 2

Table 1 

Elevations and Corresponding Mine Levels for Britannia Mine Sites 

Barbara Camp 500 3800 1158 

2.2 LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND OWNERSHIP 

According to information provided by BCMWLAP, ownership of the Britannia Mine is divided 

between the Crown, the Britannia Beach Historical Society (BBHS), Copper Beach Estates Ltd. 

(CBEL), and Britannia Beach Holdings Ltd. A current list obtained from the BC Land Title 

internet system showing the titles held by each owner, is presented in Appendix A. 

BCMWLAP has provided the following legal descriptions for the Fan Area, the ownership of 

which is divided between the BBHS and CBEL: 

PID: 015-913-961 

DL 891, Group 1, NWD Except, Firstly: Part in Reference Plan 4390, Secondly: Part in 

Plan 19960, Thirdly: Part on Highway Plan 145 

PID: 015-913-970 

DL 892, Group 1, NWD Except (A) Part in Reference Plan 7313 and (B) Part in Plan 

19960. 

The legal plan for Britannia Beach is presented in Appendix A. 

An historical title-search was ordered from West Coast Title Search Ltd. (West Coast Title) for 

one of the lots within District Lot 892. Title and transfer documents dating back to 1900 were 

reviewed and summarized by West Coast Title for information about the history of ownership of 

the subject property and are presented in Appendix A. 

Ownership of the Additional Areas is divided between the Crown and Copper Beach Estates. 

BCMWLAP has provided a map showing the boundaries of the former Britannia Mine that 

delineates the portion owned by CBEL. The map and additional information provided by 

BCMWLAP are presented in Appendix A. The mining claims, with lot numbers for the portions 

outside of the Fan Area, are shown on the Energy, Mines and Resources topographic map, 

92G/11, Squamish, British Columbia (Figure 1). 

2.3 GEOLOGICAL AND HYDROGEOLOGICAL REVIEW 

The Britannia area is underlain by intrusive rocks of the Coast Plutonic Complex capped by 

sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Gambier Group. There is a lower volcanic sequence 

comprised of dacitic tuff breccia grading upwards into a well-bedded sequence of interbedded 

black argillite and tuff. Andesitic tuffs, tuffaceous sediments and cherty tuffs comprise the upper 

volcanic sequence. The overlying sedimentary rocks are a mix of poorly bedded shale, siltstone 

and greywacke (Environment Canada 1973). 

The Fan Area is situated on the Britannia Creek fan, a debris fan formed since the end of the last 

glacial period, approximately 10,000 years ago. The fan comprises a heterogeneous assemblage 



Project No. 50319-001-310 3

of sediments, landslide deposits and detritus originating from the Britannia Creek drainage. The 

fan extends into Howe Sound. 

The Additional Areas are located in uplands. Glacial till and colluviated sediments mantle and 

blanket the surrounding mountains with bedrock exposed at higher elevations and on steep 

slopes. Creek valleys are often layered with thick units of glacial sediment and more recent 

fluvial and landslide deposits. Soils in the area are primarily podzolic, highly leached, acidic and 

reddish brown in colour (Environment Canada 1973). 

The Fan Area is adjacent to Howe Sound and is bounded by Britannia Creek runs through the 

north edge of the fan. Groundwater at the Fan Area flows west towards Howe Sound. Near the 

foreshore, groundwater is tidally influenced, resulting in periodic changes to the direction of 

flow. At periods of low tide, the groundwater gradient will result in groundwater discharge to 

Howe Sound. At periods of high tide, the groundwater gradient may be altered in direction or 

even reversed, decreasing rate of groundwater discharge. 

The topography of the Britannia Mine, depicted by the Energy, Mines and Resources topographic 

map, 92G/11, Squamish, British Columbia, is shown on Figure 1. 

3.0 HISTORICAL REVIEW 

The history of land use at the Britannia Mine has been compiled from the review of information 

obtained from the following sources: 

• Historical aerial photographs dated 1947, 1951, 1957, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1982, 1990 and 

1994 from the University of British Columbia’s Geographic Information Centre. Aerial 

photos do not cover the Britannia Mine consistently. The 1947 and 1951 aerial photographs 

cover only the Fan Area, the 2200 Portal, and the Mt. Sheer Townsite, and in 1976, aerial 

photography provides coverage only of the Fan. An in-depth summary of the review of 

historical aerial photographs is provided as Appendix B; 

• Historical maps and plans, listed below, from the Britannia Museum of Mining archives and 

historical photographs. It should be noted that the museum’s archives contains hundreds of 

maps. The maps were searched as methodically as was possible given the archives’ as-yet 

uncurated status of their map collection. Copies of the maps and plans are presented in 

Appendix C; 

� Claim Map of Britannia Mountain (June 1912), 

� Britannia Mine and Tunnel Workings Map (November 30, 1916), 

� Jane Basin Area, The Anaconda Company (Canada) Ltd., undated, 

� 2200 Copper Precipitation Plan General Arrangement, (December 23, 1969), The 

Anaconda Company (Canada) Ltd., 



Project No. 50319-001-310 4

� Untitled map showing mine claims, Britannia Beach No. 1 Mill and a portion of No. 2 

Mill (1915), 

� Plan of Britannia Beach Howe Sound Showing Domestic Water Supply (May 31, 1926), 

� Britannia Beach, Anaconda Britannia Mines, (1971, revised 1986), and 

� Untitled map showing Britannia Beach and No. 3 Mill (undated); 

• Insurance Advisory Organization (IAO) fire insurance maps: 

� Britannia Beach, Mt. Sheer Townsite, Tunnel Mine (2200 portal), Victoria Camp, Beta 

Camp, Barbara Camp, Empress Camp, and Head of Incline, dated 1923 (revised 1937), 

and 

� Britannia Beach, Mt. Sheer Townshite, Tunnel Mine (2200 portal) and Halfway Town, 

1945; 

� British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines (BCMEM) annual reports from 1900 

through 1971-73. (BCMEM was originally the BC Ministry of Mines, then the BC Ministry 

of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; followed by the BC Ministry of Employment and 

Investment. For purposes of this report, the term, BCMEM, refers to the Ministry throughout 

its existence.); 

• Reports of previous environmental investigations at Britannia Mine. A number of reports 

document previous investigations, however, most do not contain useful information with 

respect to the history of activities and structures at the various Britannia Mine sites. Of 

particular usefulness were reports documenting a reconnaissance study of acid mine drainage, 

prepared for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources by Price, Schwab and 

Hutt in 1995, and a site hazard assessment prepared by Dillon Consulting Ltd, for the B.C. 

Museum of Mining; 

• Books on the history of Britannia Mine; and 

• Interviews with persons having knowledge of the history of Britannia Mine. 

A list of references is included in Section 11.0 of this report. 

3.1 SUMMARY OF HISTORY 

Based on the review of historical information, a general chronological history of the Britannia 

Mine, and specific historical summaries for the areas described in Section 2.1 are presented 

below. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 5

3.1.1 Chronological History of the Britannia Mine, B.C. 

The chronological history of the Britannia Mine, as determined primarily from a review of 

BCMEM annual reports, is summarized below. 

1888: The original mineral discovery was made by Dr. A.A. Forbes. He acquired 100% 

interest in the discovery in exchange for a boat, and continued to prospect in the 

following summers. 

1897: Forbes described his Britannia prospect to F. Turner, while Turner was visiting a 

showing belonging to Forbes on Texada Island. 

1898: F. Turner and O. Furry staked five claims which were to produce the bulk of the 

Britannia ore. Turner sold a half interest to Bascovitz & Sons for $10,000. 

1899: The claims were surveyed and two fractions were added to become the Britannia 

Group: Fairview, Jane, Clifton, William, Mineral Creek, Edith fraction, and 

Heather fraction. A pack trail was constructed from the Fan Area to the first camp 

at Jane Flats. A 375 foot cross-cut tunnel was driven on the Jane showing and 

general prospecting was done. Turner sold 7/10 th of his interest in the property to 

Walters (of Libby, Montana) for $35,000 and 3/10 th to G. Robinson (of Butte, 

Montana) for $53,000. Staking took place in the area. The first mention of the 

Britannia Group occurred in the Ministry of Mines Annual Report, New 

Westminster Mining Division. 

1900: January 1900, the Britannia Copper Syndicate of Vancouver was organized to 

develop the property. Robinson bought out Walters and became the controlling 

stake holder. 

1901-1902: No work recorded. 

1903: Clearing of the tramline from the Beach to the Jane tunnel began – a total distance 

of three miles. 150 acres were partially cleared for a townsite at Jane Basin. The 

Howe Sound Company became the holding company of the Britannia Copper 

Syndicate. 

1904: Construction of a concentrator mill (Mill No. 1) began at the Beach. Elevated 

trestles to connect the Jane Tunnel and Big Bluff workings to a central receiving 

bin located at the upper terminal of the tramway were constructed. Underground 

workings on the Jane claims penetrated the Clifton claim workings. Tunnelling 

and cross-cuts were developed on the Mammoth Bluff showing and 

mineralization was discovered on the Empress Group to the east. 

1905: The tramway and concentrator mill were completed. Raw ore and concentrate 

were shipped to a smelter in Crofton on Vancouver Island. The Britannia 

Smelting Company was formed to purchase the Crofton smelter. Cyanide was 



Project No. 50319-001-310 6

under consideration for use in the concentrating plant and tests were conducted to 

determine the viability. 

1906: 10,000 tons of ore were mined and 55,000 tons were processed in the 

concentrator. The mine was slow to develop and was producing low-grade ore. 

1907: There was further mine camp construction, including bunkhouses and individual 

dwellings on the original Jane Flats site. A sawmill was constructed to supply 

timber to the camp. At the Beach, a compressor plant was built to aerate the 

mine. The old mill was remodelled and milling was changed from fine-crush to 

coarse-crush. 

1908: The Britannia Copper Syndicate and the Britannia Smelting Company merged to 

become the Britannia Mining and Smelting Company Ltd. 

1909: No data was available. 

1910: High-grade ore was intersected in the Fairview vein in an explanatory tunnel off 

the Mammoth Bluff. Rapid mine development took place. There were six 

working levels and much new machinery installed. Compressors and generators 

were run by water wheels while other equipment operated on compressed air and 

electric motors. 

1911: Ore was hand-sorted and sent by tram to the mill on the Beach. Concentrate was 

shipped to Tacoma, Washington. A group of log cabins on Mineral Creek at the 

1600 level, known as the Daisy or Goldsmith Camp, was occupied by men 

trenching and tunnelling at that level. 

1912: The New Westminster Mining Division was subdivided and Britannia became 

part of the Vancouver Mining Division. An auxiliary steam plant was installed at 

the Beach. Cottages, a store and a hospital were also constructed at the Beach. 

An adit was driven at 1200’ below the lowest workings (the 2200 level) in order 

to increase the amount of ore that could be handled. A new mining engineer, 

James Dunbar Moodie, was hired, who began to revamp the mining/milling 

operations and make them profitable. 

1913: Further underground work was conducted. 

1914: The Jane Creek Flats townsite now consisted of five bunkhouses, numerous single 

family dwellings, a cookhouse, warehouse, stable, tram terminal, crusher house, 

office, compressor and powder house, blacksmith shop, candle house, powder 

magazine, small school and tennis court. Construction of bunkhouses and single 

dwellings continued at the Beach and concrete tanks for handling sludges and 

slimes were constructed. Water from Britannia Creek was generating 1800 horsepower 

to operate the mill, compressors and other areas of the plant. New wharf 

bunkers were constructed. World War I was declared and production slumped. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 7

1915: A catastrophic landslide destroyed much of the Jane Creek Flats townsite at the 

foot of Mammoth Bluff on the 1000 level. Fifty-six people were killed. The site 

was abandoned in favour of a new site in the valley along Britannia Creek at the 

2200 level. This became known variously as the Mt. Sheer Townsite, Tunnel 

Mine or Camp, or Mount Sheer Camp. Production from the mine halted for three 

months, during which a new tram terminal was completed. The raise from the 

2200 level to the 1050 level was completed and a cookhouse, bunkhouses, and 

powder house were erected next to the tunnel. At the Beach, the first half of the 

new flotation mill (Mill No. 2) was commissioned. The last stage in the 

concentration of ore was oil flotation. Power generated from Britannia Creek was 

now augmented by steam turbines. 

1916: The drift connecting the Fairview workings with the Empress mine on the 1000 

level was completed. A tunnel was driven at the 1200 level from Jane Creek to 

the Bluff mine. A 3-storey store was constructed at the Beach. Several concrete 

dams were constructed on Britannia Creek and one on Mineral Creek. High 

voltage lines with transformers were laid from the tunnel powerhouse through the 

2200 level to the crusher room. At the Beach, the first (west) half of the No. 2 

Mill was completed, along with slime and concentrator tanks, and a copper 

launder that discharged to the ocean. The mill, which used an oil flotation 

process, started production while the No. 1 Mill also continued to operate. 

1917: A concrete dam was built on Furry Creek. Empress and Beta Camps and housing 

at the Head of Incline were started. Heavy rains damaged the incline railway. At 

the Beach, a customs house was built. 

1918: Underground development of the mines occurred, however, there were no 

significant new buildings. 

1919: Gypsum ore was shipped from the Fairview mine. A large recreation hall was 

constructed on the Beach. Ore-grade material was discovered on the Victoria 

claim. The Seaview camp was established for men working the 3100 and 3250 

levels and the 4100 raise. This camp was occupied form 1919-24. 

1920: The mill was closed, but development work continued, including the Victoria 

claim and the 2700 level where the Armour adit was driven. 

1921: The Britannia Mine was now subdivided into five sections: Bluff, Fairview, Jane, 

Empress and Victoria. In March, the No. 2 Mill was destroyed by a large fire and 

in October a flood destroyed half of the Beach community, killing 37 people and 

destroying 50 houses. New houses were constructed on higher ground. 

1922: Construction of the No. 3 Mill began. At the Tunnel Mine (2200 level) 

approximately 20 buildings were abandoned as part of a “safety-first” policy. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 8

1923: The new mill began processing ore. A 30-mile power line from West Vancouver 

to Britannia Beach was completed, making the Beach steam plant obsolete as it 

was no longer required when periods of low water levels in Britannia Creek 

necessitated supplemental power. There were now two powerhouses (at the 

Beach and at the 2200 portal) and five storage dams. 

1924: The Victoria workings were connected to the other mine workings through the 

2200 level, and the tram was no longer needed, leaving only the lower tram 

section from the Head of Incline to the Beach still in use as needed. The 

transportation system now consisted of electric trams over a narrow-gauge 

switchback railway between the 2200 level and the adit at the 2700 level. Ore 

was delivered at the top of the ore-raise at the 2700 level adit and dropped 1500’ 

to the main haulage-adit on the 4100 level. From there it was transported 4000’ 

through the adit by electric cars to the concentrator. The railway, used only for 

transport of people and goods, was located underneath the tramway from the 2700 

level to the Beach. 

The first copper precipitation plant was constructed in 1924 at Jane Flats (Price, 

Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

1925: Ore that had been stockpiled in 1920-1922 was processed. The comments in the 

Annual Report indicate they had trouble milling the ore as it was heavily oxidized. 

1926: A pyrite concentrate, with 47% sulphur, was produced and shipped. 

1927: The haulage tunnel 11,200’ long from the 2700 level to the Fairview mine was 

completed and further construction occurred at the 2200 level and the Beach. The 

company devised a method to manufacture 5” mill balls on-site. 

1928: The Jane Flats copper precipitation plant was replaced by a new plant at the 2200 

Portal (Tunnel Mine) (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). A new haulage tunnel was 

inaugurated. 

1929: There is little data, except that a foundry was added. 

1930: This was a peak year of production, with more than 44,000,000 lbs of copper 

produced. Larger shops were constructed which could produce anything the mine 

site needed. 

1931-1937: During the Depression, copper dropped to 5 cents/lb., production slowed and the 

work force declined from 1000 to 400. In 1933, the Beach hotel burned down and 

was replaced by several hotels and dining houses, including the Ritz and the 

Savoy. A new passenger rail car started operating from the Head of the Incline to 

the Mt. Sheer Townsite. 

1938: Production was up and 1324 people were employed. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 9

1939-1945: Mining continued through the Second World War, but employees were hard to 

find. Ventilation and dust control for the benefit of the workers’ health started to 

receive much attention. 

1946: The workers went on strike from July 1 to October 21. 

1949: The road from Squamish was completed. Roads were built around the Beach and 

workers began using trucks. A road was built to backfill No. 8 Mine and the first 

mile of road to the Tunnel Mine (2200 level) was completed. 

1950-1952: Additional residential and community construction continued at the Beach and the 

4100 yard area was built. The road to the Tunnel Mine (2200 level) and Mt. 

Sheer Townsite was completed, eliminating the use of the railways. A full-time 

ventilation engineer was employed by 1950. 

1954: The P.G.E. Railway was built through the Beach, resulting in demolition of some 

housing and construction of new housing. 

1955-1957: The company struggled with lower metal prices. Those mines still yielding ore 

were the Bluff, Fairview, Victoria, No. 8, Jane, and Empress. The No. 5 mine 

was now inactive. All mining operations were moved to the Beach site and the 

Mount Sheer Townsite was virtually abandoned. 

1958: The company ceased production and went into voluntary liquidation. Only 

maintenance operations continued. All assets went to Howe Sound Company, the 

holding company. Metal prices then began to rise and a two-year contract was 

signed with the Union. The Sea to Sky Highway was completed, allowing the 

scaling back of operations at Britannia Beach. 

1959: The Mine reopened, however, much rehabilitation was required before milling 

recommenced. Milling methods changed from wet to dry flotation. Copper 

concentrates were stockpiled while the Tacoma smelter was closed by a strike. 

Part of the mill tailings were sold to LaFarge Cement and Construction 

Aggregates Ltd. 

1962: Exploration was still taking place in the Victoria, Bluff and No. 8 mines. 

1963: By this time, 10,000,000 pounds of copper had been recovered in precipitation 

plants (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). All the property and assets of Howe Sound 

Company were sold to Anaconda Mining Company and the Victoria, Bluff and 

No. 9 mines continued to be mined. 

1964: A labor strike shut down the mine for seven months, but new ore zones were 

discovered, the mill was remodelled and production resumed. Silica from the 

tailings was recovered and sold to cement companies. The company continued to 

produce 60,000 tons of ore annually. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 10

1965: A road was constructed to Jane Basin and Fairview glory holes to aid in 

evaluating the remaining mineral reserves in the Bluff and Fairview mines. 

1966: Victoria, Bluff, and No. 8 mines were still being mined and the access roads to the 

Jane Basin were completed. Some rehabilitation of old underground workings 

was carried on using the 1050 portal. Other raises and workings were 

reconditioned to control the flow of underground waters and increase leaching of 

copper. 

1967: Open-pit mining was started at the Jane Basin. 

1968: The Victoria, Bluff and No. 8 ore bodies were still being run. 

1969: Mining and ore extraction at Victoria ceased and the shaft was decommissioned. 

1971-1973: Development work continued and copper precipitation plants were operating at 

both the Fan Area and the Mt. Sheer Townsite (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

1974: Due to limited reserves and increased costs, the Britannia Mine was shut down for 

the last time. Reserves at the time of mine closure were 1.4 million tonnes at 

1.9% copper. 

1975: The British Columbia Mining Museum opened. 

1977: Anaconda sold the property to Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), and 

maintained it as a subsidiary until 1981 when the two companies merged into 

ARCO. 

1978: ARCO/Anaconda sold the property to 85818 Canada Ltd. which became 

Anaconda Canada Exploration Ltd. (ACEL). 

1979: ACEL sold the Britannia Block to CBEL, and the Museum Block to the BBHS 

which commenced development of the mining museum. The Museum Block 

consisted of 26 hectares of land, including the mill, mine buildings and a small 

underground section of the mine. 

Historical owners of the Britannia Mine up to the present division of ownership, are listed below: 

• Britannia Copper Syndicate; 

• Howe Sound Holding Company; 

• Britannia Mining and Smelting Co. Ltd.; 

• Anaconda Canada Ltd.; 

• Atlantic Richfield Co.; 

• 85818 Canada Ltd. (Anaconda Exploration Ltd.); 

• Copper Beach Estates Ltd.; and 

• 400091 B.C. Ltd. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 11

The BC Museum of Mining provides the following data on the quantities of ores extracted and 

processed during the mine’s operation from 1904 until 1974: 

• Copper: 650,000 tons; 

• Zinc: 137,000 tons; 

• Lead: 17,000 tons; 

• Gold: 500,000 ounces; 

• Silver: 6 million ounces; and 

• Cadmium: 1.55 million lbs. 

According to the BC Museum of Mining, there are 210 km of tunnels and five open pits. 

Approximately 100 fatalities have occurred over the years, however, there is no record of burial 

grounds at the Britannia Mine. 

3.1.2 History of Specific Buildings and Activities at Britannia 

Mine, B.C. 

Numerous buildings and structures have existed at the Fan Area and the Additional Areas during 

the history of the Britannia Mine. Some have been demolished, burned down and even relocated. 

Activities carried out at some buildings and areas have changed over time. By assembling 

information from the various sources reviewed, either definitive or approximate dates of 

existence have been determined. Based on this information, the history of buildings, structures, 

equipment and associated activities is summarized in the following sections. 

The specific sites range from small remote areas of activity to large sites of intense industrial 

activity. For clarity, the history of buildings, structures, and equipment associated with potential 

environmental concerns at the larger sites has been summarized in tables. 

3.1.2.1 Fan Area 

The Fan Area has been the site of the most intense surface activities at Britannia Mine. It was the 

base of all milling operations and in the latter years was also a base for mining operations. 

Numerous buildings and structures have been constructed during the course of operations at the 

Fan Area. 

Development began in approximately 1900, with establishment of a base camp from which a 

pack trail lead to the first camp at Jane Flats. Clearing of the tramline started from the Beach in 

1903. Three concentrator mills existed at the Beach over the course of operations. The first mill 

was constructed in 1904-1905. Construction of the second mill began in 1915. After a fire 

destroyed the second mill in 1921, the third mill was constructed and still stands today. 

By 1924, the mill flotation process was utilizing primarily hydrated lime, as poor results had 

been received with other reagents, notably sodium cyanide (Ministry of Mines, 1924). (It should 

be noted, however, that former employees reported that during their employment in the 1960s 

and early 1970s, cyanide was utilized in the zinc flotation circuit at the mill.) Oils utilized for 

flotation in the mill were primarily coal-tar and hardened creosote with steam-distilled pine-oil as 



Project No. 50319-001-310 12

a frother (Ministry of Mines 1924). It was anticipated that the heavier oils were soon to be 

phased out in favour of potassium xanthate in conjunction with the lighter pine-oil (Ministry of 

Mines 1924). Subsequent follow-up documentation of the phasing out of the heavier oils has not 

been found. 

The history of those buildings, structures and equipment associated with potential environmental 

concerns is summarized in Table 2 (Untitled map 1915; Plan of Britannia Beach 1916; Fire 

Insurance Maps 1923 – rev. 1937, 1945; Domestic Water Supply Map 1926; Britannia Beach 

1971 – rev. 1986, untitled undated map). The long history of operations at the Fan Area has also 

resulted in the widespread deposition of mine tailings over the area. The locations of historic 

buildings, based on the information reviewed, is illustrated on Figure 2. It should be noted that 

high concentrations of metals in soil and groundwater have been previously identified in the Fan 

Area (Golder 2001). 

Table 2 

Historical Summary of Buildings, Structures & Equipment Associated with 

Potential Environmental Concerns in the Fan Area 

Buildings / Structures / 

Dates of Operation/Existence 

Storage Areas 

No. 1 Mill 1905-1915 

No. 2 Mill 1915-1921 

No. 3 Mill 1923-present (final cessation of operations in mid-1970s) 

Powerhouse Operated throughout the life of mill operations. Burned down 

in the early 1990s. 

Storage Bunkers on the Wharf Utilized for concentrate storage from 1914 until 1922, when 

the conveyor was constructed. Continued to exist for many 

years thereafter. 

Reagent Plant / Precipitation Storage Exact dates unknown, however, was known to be associated 

Various Storage Tanks Associated with 

Milling Operations (Dorr Tanks, 

Settling, Dewatering, Lime Storage) 



Project No. 50319-001-310 13 

with the operation of the No. 3 Mill. 

The tanks are presumed to have been associated with both 

No. 2 and No. 3 Mills. While locations are documented, exact 

dates are unknown. 

Transformers / Substations Existed at various locations throughout the life of mill 

operations. 

Ore Bins From 1916 onward throughout the duration of mill activities. 

Compressor Plants Associated with No. 1 Mill (a 25 drill compressor plant) and a 

later plant associated with No. 2 Mill. 

Foundry Constructed in 1929 and operated until 1958. It was 

demolished between 1972 and 1976. 

Slug Plant Was associated with the foundry and produced ball mills 

briefly prior to their fabrication by the foundry. It was 

demolished between 1972 and 1976. 

Copper Sulfate Plants Existed throughout the duration of mill operations. An 

historical plant, existing until approximately 1937, preceded 

the existing second plant. 

Lead Plant Associated with No. 3 mill and presumed to operate 

throughout the duration of mill activities. 

Regrinding Mill Associated with the No. 3 Mill through approximately 1937. 

Settling Pond Constructed in 1966 for clarifier overflows and other mill 

solutions that were discharged into Howe Sound. 

Pozzolon Shed (Formerly a Garage) Originally utilized as a garage, it appears to have been 

constructed around 1949 when vehicle use began at Britannia

Table 2 




Storage Areas 


Beach. It was later used as a storage shed. 

Pyrite Storage (outdoors, notably at the Occurred during the early years of No. 3 Mill and continued at 

site of the ballfield and near the wharf) least up to 1950. 

Boilers, Steam Compressors, 

Provided supplementary power prior to construction of the 

Generators 

powerline from North Vancouver in 1924. 

Precipitate Storage (outdoors) Associated with No. 3 Mill throughout operations. 

Gasoline Warehouse Existed around 1945. 

Machine Shop Constructed in 1916, it operated during the life of mill 

activities. 

Blacksmith Shop Constructed in 1919, it operated during the life of mill 

activities. 

Motor Shed Constructed in 1916, it operated during the life of mill 

activities. 

Welding Shop and Cutting Shed Constructed by 1945. 

Friction Saw Shed Associated with No. 2 Mill and the early years of No. 3 Mill. 

Roll Shell Shop Associated with No. 2 Mill and the early years of No. 3 Mill. 

Acetylene Generator Constructed by 1945. Associated with No. 3 Mill operations. 

Warehouse Associated with mill operations since at least 1915. Recently 

burned down. 

Coal Storage Associated with No. 3 Mill around 1945. 

Forrester Machines Associated with early years of No. 3 Mill. 

Lower Sedimentation Pond and Existed along with the copper launder since approximately the 

Adjacent Storage Area 

mid-1950s. 

Copper Launder Constructed in 1955 (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

Upper Sediment Pond Constructed between 1951 and 1957. 

Oil Storage Tunnel Associated with No. 2 Mill. 

Carpenter Shed (Also Pattern Shop) Associated with the early years of No. 3 Mill. 

Steam Plant Associated with the early years of No. 3 Mill. 

Roots Blower Shed Associated with the later years of No. 3 Mill. 

Pumphouse Associated with the later years of No. 3 Mill. 

Generators Present in a building in the Beach village during the early 

years of No. 3 Mill operations. 

Garage In existence by 1951, it has continued to be utilized for 

automotive maintenance and refuelling. 

Incinerator Associated with the early years of No. 3 Mill operations. 

Electrical Shop/Warehouse Associated with the early years of operations at No. 3 Mill, it 

was demolished between 1957 and 1969. 

Oil Storage Has occurred at different locations throughout the life of mill 

operations. 

Ball Mill Associated with the early years of operations at No. 3 Mill, it 

was demolished between 1957 and 1969. 

Concentrate Storage Has occurred at different locations throughout the life of mill 

operations. 

Mine Tailings/Waste Rock Widespread deposits have occurred throughout the Fan Area 

at various locations throughout the life of mill operations. 

Car (rail) Shop (immediately adjacent 

to the Fan Area) 

Associated with the latter years of operations at No. 3 Mill. 

Ore Stock Pile (immediately adjacent 


Prior to No. 3 Mill construction. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 14

Table 2 





Storage Areas 

Steel Shop (immediately adjacent to At some time during No. 3 Mill operations. 

the Fan Area) 

4100 Car Barn (immediately adjacent Approximately 1945. 


Framing Shed (immediately adjacent to 

the Fan Area) 



Project No. 50319-001-310 15 

Associated with the later years of No. 3 Mill operations. 

A blanket gold recovery system, installed in 1927, did not utilize mercury and is considered to 

pose a low potential for soil and groundwater contamination, as do employee housing, and other 

buildings associated with residential and community activities. 

3.1.2.2 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) 

Construction at the 2200 level appears to have started around 1910. Over time, mine waste rock 

deposited at the Tunnel Mine site expanded the buildable area northwards and was also used for 

railbed construction. 

Until the road from Britannia Beach to the Tunnel Mine was constructed in 1952, a complex of 

buildings clustered around the mine portal provided the necessary infrastructure to support 

mining and related activities for the Tunnel Mine. In addition, mine water was processed at a 

copper precipitation plant at the Tunnel Mine site, which was expanded by 1927 to hundreds of 

feet of flume lined with scrap tin and iron (BCMEM 1927). By the mid-1950s, operations at the 

complex were abandoned for economic reasons and all operations were consolidated at the 

Beach. The majority of the buildings were demolished during the 1960s; by 1982, the 

powerhouse appeared to be the only significant structure remaining (Aerial photograph 1982). 

In addition to mine waste rock, numerous activities associated with the historical buildings and 

structures pose a potential for environmental concerns. The history of buildings, structures and 

equipment associated with potential environmental concerns is summarized in Table 3 (Fire 

Insurance Maps 1923 – rev. 1937, 1945; Copper Launder Engineers Drawing 1969). The 

historical site layout, based on the information reviewed, is shown on Figure 3. 

Table 3 

Historical Summary of Buildings, Structures & Equipment 

Associated with Potential Environmental Concerns at the 

2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Powerhouse Operated from approximately 1916 until the mid- 

1950s. The building was not demolished. 

Warehouse Utilized from approximately 1916 until the mid- 

Motor Shed / 

Blacksmith / Machine 

Shops 

1950s, it appeared to be gone by 1969. 

Housed within the same building at different times, 

the motor shed operated in the very early days and 

was replaced by the blacksmith and machine shops 

by 1923, which operated until the mid-1950s.

Table 3 



2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Electrical Shop Appears to have existed prior to 1945. 

Steel Shop (“Sharping”) Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Blower House Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Carpenter Shop Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Copper Plant / Settling In existence by 1923, continuing through the mid- 

Tanks 

1950s. 

Electric Shop Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Electrical Transformers Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Heating Plant Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Freight/oil storage Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Steel Rack Existed from approximately 1923 to the mid-1950s. 

Bunkhouses, a cookhouse, and a meat plant which existed at the site are considered to pose a low 

potential for environmental contamination. 

3.1.2.3 Mt. Sheer Townsite 

The Mt. Sheer Townsite was constructed in 1915 when the previous Jane Flats townsite was 

abandoned after the catastrophic landslide. Waste rock from the Tunnel Mine was utilized to 

build the railway bed through the townsite and a very large volume was deposited at the west end 

of the townsite (BCMM historical photograph). Waste rock may also have been deposited in 

other areas of the townsite. By 1916, there were houses, a new school, hospital, car shop, and a 

central heating plant which furnished heat and hot water to the bunkhouses. According to former 

townsite residents interviewed, the houses were heated by furnaces initially fuelled by coal, then 

by diesel fuel, and eventually by furnace oil. The fuel was delivered by rail and the diesel and 

furnace oil were reported to have been stored in drums or aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) 

inside the basements of the houses. 

The railway for transport of ore from the Tunnel Mine ran through the townsite to a terminal on 

the west edge of the townsite. Also in 1916, a powder house was constructed west of the Mt. 

Sheer Townsite, described as being located along the railroad line 914 metres (3000 ft) from the 

Head of the Incline. Amenities were constructed at various times at the townsite, including a 

movie house, a gymnasium, tennis courts and a swimming pool. 

In the mid-1950s, the townsite was virtually abandoned along with the Tunnel Mine site. The 

railway leading southwest from the townsite to Halfway Town, still present in 1951, appears to 

have been de-activated by 1957. By 1965, the houses had been removed and a copper 

precipitation plant (launder) to process mine water from the 2200 Portal was constructed at 

former house sites on the northeast edge of the townsite. By 1969, the copper launder, a steel 

warehouse at the west edge of the townsite, and the swimming pool were the only structures still 

apparent on aerial photographs. The railbeds running through the townsite still existed but the 

rails appeared to have been removed. Also by 1969, the powder house west of the townsite 

appeared to be gone. By 1990, there were no buildings left and vegetation had regrown over 



Project No. 50319-001-310 16

much of the townsite; the in-ground swimming pool and concrete remnants of the copper launder 

were the only remaining structures. 

In addition to the mine waste rock comprising the railway bed and deposited elsewhere in the 

townsite, there were other potential historical sources of contamination at the townsite. The 

history of buildings and structures associated with potential environmental concerns is 

summarized in Table 4 (Fire Insurance Maps 1923 – rev. 1937, 1945; Copper Launder Engineers 

Drawing 1969). The historical site layout, based on the historical sources reviewed, is shown on 

Figure 3. 

Table 4 


Associated with Potential Environmental Concerns at the Mt. 

Sheer Townsite 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Copper Launder (including 

precipitation storage shed 

and outdoor storage area) 

Machine Shop and 

Bunkers / Steel 

Warehouse 

Furnace Oil Storage in 

Underground Storage 

Tanks (USTs) 

Powder House (west of the 

townsite) 

3.1.2.4 Victoria Camp 



Project No. 50319-001-310 17 

Constructed in 1964, it operated until 1974 and all but 

the concrete troughs were demolished. 

A machine shop and bunkers, in existence by 1923, 

were replaced by a steel warehouse by 1945. The 

warehouse was demolished sometime between 1969 

and 1982. 

Presumed to have existed since construction of the 

townsite and demolished along with housing and other 

buildings by 1969. 

Presumed to have existed since the townsite was 

developed, it was demolished by 1969. 

The Victoria ore body was discovered and a tunnel advanced by 1919. The Victoria Camp was 

constructed between 1921 and 1922 at approximately 700 metres (2300 ft.) elevation (Ministry of 

Mines 1919, 1922). The main entrance to the Victoria Mine was via the Victoria Shaft. A mine 

portal also existed. In 1923, the first ore was sent to the mill via a tramway on the 1600 level and 

the aerial tram. At its peak, 300 people lived at the Victoria Camp. In 1941, the 4100 tunnel 

near the mill was connected to the bottom of the Victoria Shaft, allowing copper water to flow 

from the Victoria mine to the Beach copper plant (Ministry of Mines 1941). By 1943, the 

Victoria Camp was closed, although the mine continued to be worked long after (Ministry of 

Mines 1941). When the Britannia Mine reopened after a brief closure in 1958, ore was taken 

from the remnant pillars in the Victoria mine and there was some exploration on the 4100 level; 

however, there is no reference to reopening of the Victoria Camp. The Victoria mine continued 

to be worked until 1964 (Ministry of Mines 1964). 

There is reference to a sawmill constructed at the Victoria portal in 1921 (Ministry of Mines 

1922). The fate of this sawmill has not been determined; however, by 1924, a sawmill with a 

capacity of 20,000 ft had been constructed on Furry Creek (Ministry of Mines 1924). Dipping or 

treating of lumber was reported during interviews not to have occurred, and no written records 

indicating this operation occurred have been found.

In addition to mine waste rock, activities associated with some of the historical buildings and 

structures posed a potential for environmental concerns. The history of buildings, structures and 

equipment associated with potential environmental concerns is summarized in Table 5 (Britannia 

Mine & Tunnel Workings 1916; Fire Insurance Maps (1923 – rev. 1937, 1939; undated Jane 

Basin Area map). The historical locations of buildings and structures is shown on Figure 4. 

Table 5 



Victoria Camp 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Blacksmith Shop Believed to operate for the duration of camp operations. 

Warehouse Utilized only during the early stages of the Victoria Camp, 

based on a 1939 map indicating it was still present but 

no longer used. 

Oil Storage Utilized only during the early stages of the Victoria Camp, 



Tram Terminal Utilized only during the early stages of the Victoria Camp, 



Carpenter Shop Operated during the early stages of the Victoria Camp 

and utilized as a candle house and tool shed by 1939. 

Framing Mill Apparently utilized during the early stages of the Victoria 

Camp. 

Sawmill and Burner Apparently utilized during the early stages of the Victoria 

Camp. 

Hoist Houses Believed to operate for the duration of camp operations. 

Ore Bins Believed to exist for the duration of camp operations. 

Electrical Transformers Believed to exist for the duration of camp operations. 

Compressor House Apparently utilized during the early stages of the Victoria 

Camp. 

In addition, the existence of the following buildings and structures is also documented: 

bunkhouses, clubhouse/library, dry house and snowshed. 

Many buildings and structures remained standing until at least 1957 (Aerial photographs 1957). 

By 1969, only the hoist house, the No. 2 shaft headframe and a small structure near the Victoria 

tunnel entrance appeared to remain (Aerial photograph 1969). 

3.1.2.5 Beta Camp 

The Beta Camp was developed in 1917 (BCMEM 1917). Located at a slightly higher elevation 

than the Victoria Camp and approximately 280 metres to the northwest, the Beta Camp was a 

small operation; however, hot water, heat and electricity existed at the camp. In existence by 

1923 were a locomotive shed, blacksmith shop, ore bins, several cabins, small buildings and a 

bunkhouse (Fire Insurance Map 1923). A few small buildings still remained in the mid-1950s; 

by 1990, the only remaining structure appeared to be the bunkhouse (Aerial Photographs 1957, 

1969, 1972, 1982, 1990). The Beta Camp burned to the ground in 1926 (BCMEM 1926). In 

1995, a large amount of woody debris, steel cable, a section or rail track with some mine cars still 



Project No. 50319-001-310 18

on it, and a 2-storey shack were all that remained (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). A prominent band 

of blue-green coloured staining running down the stream bed of a seepage emerging from the 

portal was identified as copper-rich and slightly acidic(Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

Potential environmental concerns are associated with the portal discharge, mine waste rock and 

the structures summarized in Table 6 (Britannia Mine & Tunnel Workings 1916; Fire Insurance 

Maps (1923 – rev. 1937, 1939; undated Jane Basin Area map). The historical site layout of Beta 

Camp in 1923 is shown on Figure 4. 

Table 6 



Beta Camp 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Locomotive Shed The duration of Beta Camp operations. 

Blacksmith Shop The duration of Beta Camp operations. 

Ore Bins The duration of Beta Camp operations. 

3.1.2.6 Empress Camp 

The Empress Camp, located at approximately 998 metre (3275 ft.) elevation, was developed in 

1917 (BCMEM 1917). Access to the underground workings was via the 1050 Level Portal. At 

the camp, there was a bunkhouse, blacksmith shop and cookhouse (BCMEM 1917). Hot water, 

heat and electricity were installed at the camp. By 1923, a bunkhouse appears to have been the 

only remaining building (Fire Insurance Map 1923). The bunkhouse still existed in 1982 (Aerial 

Photograph 1982). The camp was closed during the Depression, in 1933, and reopened for a few 

years in 1939 (BCMEM 1939). By 1995, the mouth of the portal had collapsed and all that 

remained were a concrete foundation, woody debris and some sections of rail (Price, Schwab, 

Hutt 1995). 

The historical existence of the blacksmith shop and the existence of mine waste rock appear to be 

the only potential sources of environmental concerns. The waste rock appeared to be highly 

oxidized and seepage was emerging from the debris at the mouth of the Empress Camp in 1995 

(Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

The historical site layout, based on the information reviewed, is shown on Figure 5. 

3.1.2.7 Barbara Camp 

Houses were first built at the Barbara Camp, located at approximately 1188 metre (3900 ft) 

elevation, in 1915 (BCMEM 1915). The houses were heated by a hot water system. In 1916, 

bunkhouses were added. Three bunkhouses, a loghouse and a cabin, existing in 1916, appeared 

to have been reduced to two bunkhouses by 1923 (Ministry of Mines 1916, Fire Insurance Map 

1923). A stable existed at the Barbara Portal, approximately 300 metres (984 ft) to the west and 

a wagon road ran between the stable and the camp The camp was closed during the Depression, 

between 1931 and 1937 (Ministry of Mines 1937). Partially collapsed shacks still existed in 

1995 (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 



Project No. 50319-001-310 19

The historical review has not determined historical sources of environmental concern besides 

mine waste rock. Waste rock was end dumped from the portal and extended downslope (Price, 

Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

The historical site layout, based on the information reviewed, is shown on Figure 5. 

3.1.2.8 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & 

Landfill 1.5 km to the Northwest) 

Construction of a new tram terminal, a blacksmith, and repair shop were constructed at the head 

of the incline in 1916 (BCMEM 1916). In 1917, a camp was established for construction crews 

working on the incline railway and crews working at the 2700 level (BCMEM 1917). Initially 

there were several houses and bunkhouses. The camp was closed early in the Depression and 

reopened in 1938 (BCMEM 1938). Upon reopening, a large bunkhouse, dry house and hotel 

were built. 

Maps or plans of the sawmill were not discovered during the historical research. The sawmill 

was constructed after completion of the road from Britannia Beach to the Mt. Sheer townsite. 

The sawmill site was cleared by 1957 and two buildings were in existence by 1969, continuing 

through at least 1972 (Aerial photographs 1957, 1969, 1972). It was reported that no creosoting 

or chemical treatment of lumber occurred at the facility (Trythall, 2001); no written records 

indicating this activity was conducted have been found. The lumber may have been transported 

from outside of the Britannia Mine. The facility was gone by 1982 and substantial vegetation 

regrowth had occurred; by 1994, vegetation had reclaimed the entire sawmill site (Aerial 

photographs 1982, 1990, 1994). 

A landfill for deposit of Britannia Beach municipal refuse was located across the road to the 

northwest of the sawmill. The exact start date of the landfill has not been determined, however, 

it was in existence by 1957 and the area covered by the landfill had grown considerably by 1969 

(Aerial photographs 1951, 1957, 1969). Permit, PR-06025, was issued by the British Columbia 

Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (BCMELP) April 10, 1981 and amended March 28, 

1995. It is reported that dumping at the landfill ceased in 1976 and in 1995 it was covered over 

with topsoil by CBEL (Knudsen 2002). The method of landfill closure did not meet BCMELP 

requirements for landfill closures (Squamish-Lillooet Regional District November 1999). A copy 

of the permit and an excerpt from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Solid Waste 

Management Plan, 1999, are presented in Appendix D. 

In addition to mine waste rock, activities associated with some of the historical buildings; 

structures, and the landfill pose a potential for environmental concerns. Their history is 

summarized in Table 7 (Fire Insurance Maps 1923, 1937). The historical site layout, based on the 

information reviewed, is shown on Figure 6. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 20

Table 7 

Historical Summary of Buildings, Structures, Equipment & 

Features Associated with Potential Environmental Concerns at 

the Head of Incline & 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & 

Landfill 1.5 km Northwest) 

Buildings / Structures Dates of Operation/Existence 

Tram Terminal (incline hoist For the duration of incline hoist operation 

house) 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Ore Bins For the duration of incline hoist operation 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Rail Car Repair Shop For the duration of incline hoist operation 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Oil House For the duration of incline hoist operation 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Battery Charging Indicated to exist during the early years of operation. 

Train Shack For the duration of incline hoist operation 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Sawmill Established by 1969, gone by 1982. 

Landfill Created in the early 1950s and decommissioned after 

1982. 

Carbide Shed For the duration of operation at the 2700 portal 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Smithers Shed For the duration of operation at the 2700 portal 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Electrical Shop For the duration of operation at the 2700 portal 

(1916 – early 1970s). 

Employee housing, the dry house and hotel are considered to pose a low potential for 

environmental concerns. 

3.1.2.9 Halfway Town 

Halfway Town, at approximately the 472 metre elevation (1500 ft), was located along the south 

side of Britannia Creek near the junction of the lower tramway to Britannia Beach and the upper 

tramway to the Jane Basin (Fire Insurance Map 1945; Claim Map of Britannia Mountain). A 

sawmill with a wood-fired boiler house existed on a flat next to Britannia Creek by 1912 (Claim 

Map of Britannia Mountain 1912). The sawmill appears to have been gone by 1945, although a 

few houses and the old tram station were still present near the tramway junction (Fire Insurance 

Map 1945). No structures or buildings can be located on the aerial photographs with the possible 

exception of the 1957 aerial photograph, which shows the sawmill site was still cleared and 

possibly occupied by a building; the aerial photo is of poor quality, however, and the presence of 

the building is inconclusive. 

The Mt. Sheer townsite dump was on the south side of Britannia Creek at Halfway Town 

(Trythall 2001). Located between the road and the creek to the west of the old tram station, it 

was regularly burned. 

By 1994, Halfway Town and the area around it had been logged over. 

The history of buildings and activities associated with potential environmental concerns is 

summarized in Table 8 (Fire Insurance Map 1945; Claim Map of Britannia Mountain 1912; 



Project No. 50319-001-310 21

(Trythall, 2001). The historical site layout, based on the information reviewed, is shown on 

Figure 7. 

Table 8 

Historical Summary of Buildings, Structures, Equipment & 

Features Associated with Potential Environmental Concerns at 

Halfway Town 

Buildings / 


Structures 

Old Tram Station Existed from at least 1912 through 1945. 

Sawmill Existed in 1912. The duration of operations is 

undetermined. The sawmill may have remained at 

least until 1957. 

Town Dump Presumed to have existed throughout the life of the 

Mt. Sheer townsite. 

3.1.2.10 Other Sites of Operations/Camps/Portals 

The open pit complex comprised a number of smaller pits and ranged from elevations of 

approximately 914 m. (3000 ft.) to 1371 m. (4500 ft). In 1995, roads, several portals, nearsurface 

underground workings, a number of glory holes and waste rock were evident (Price, 

Schwab, Hutt 1995). The historic Jane Camp (1050 level), destroyed by the avalanche in 1915, 

had existed near the bottom of the open pit complex. Five seeps disappearing into loose rock 

have been identified and most of the open pit complex drains into glory hole depressions leading 

to underground workings (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

There were smaller and more remote operations at other locations. The other locations included 

the 1200 and 1000 Level Portals in the Furry Creek watershed, and the Goldsmith (or Daisy 

Camp) and the Seaview Camp along Mineral Creek in the Britannia Creek watershed. These 

locations were reported to consist of apron-like pads of waste rock with flat bench tops 

surrounded by steep slopes (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). 

In 1995, seepage was observed coming from the 1200 Level Portal; the only equipment still 

present was a section of track (Price, Schwab, Hutt 1995). The Goldsmith and Seaview camps 

consisted of log cabins. 

Approximately 1.6 km up Furry Creek from the Victoria Mine, the Fairwest Mine was 

established on the south side of Furry Creek in 1925. It was abandoned a year later and utilized 

by the Vancouver Water Board guard house until 1940. Another mining camp, known as 

Saulter’s Cabins, existed on the Seymour Creek watershed south of Furry Creek. The Queen 

tunnel existed northeast of the Victoria Mine. 

3.1.2.11 Lands Adjacent to Britannia Mine 

Adjacent lands to the north, east and south have remained largely undeveloped, with the notable 

exception of residential land use adjacent to the Fan Area on the north side of Britannia Creek 

and commercial activities and a gravel pit to the south. The powerline corridor coming up from 

North Vancouver to Britannia was completed by 1924. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 22

3.2 BC MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND AIR PROTECTION (BCMWLAP) 

3.2.1 Site Registry 

The Site Registry Detail Report for the subject property (January 6, 2002) obtained through BC 

Online, is presented in Appendix D. The Britannia Mine is BCMWLAP Site 436. Four 

pollutions abatement orders have been issued against the mine since 1971. Copper Beach 

Estates, which purchased the property in 1979, has remained out of compliance with respect to 

each of the orders. The Ministry Orders issued for the Britannia Mine are briefly outlined below. 

A Remediation Order to collect and treat acid mine drainage was issued to Anaconda Canada 

Ltd. in October 1974. In 1981, the Order was revised to include the new owner, Copper Beach 

Estates Ltd. (CBEL). 

A Ministry Order (File AE-2194) was issued in 1981 which required that all mine drainage be 

collected and directed to the 4100 level portal and treated by a copper recovery plant. 

Remediation Order (File OE-12635) was issued to CBEL in November 1993, requiring the 

submission of a plan to treat all mine acid drainage by July 31, 1994; submission of a scope, 

terms of reference and schedule for the plan by January 1994; application for effluent discharge 

permit and fee payment by February 1994; and submission of audited financial records before 

January 31, 1994. 

Remediation Order (OE-16097) was issued to CBEL in August 1999 to reflect new contaminant 

criteria and the 1997 amendments to the Waste Management Act that relate to contaminated sites 

and responsible parties for the Remediation Order. 

Remediation Order OE-16097 was issued in September 1999 to include only CBEL as a 

responsible party. When CBEL failed to comply and defaulted, the Regional Waste Manager 

enacted Provision 27.1(3) (c), allowing the Manager to add additional parties to the Remediation 

Order. 

3.2.2 Groundwater Database Search 

The BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (BCMWLAP) Groundwater Section Water 

Management Division’s online groundwater database was consulted for information regarding 

registered groundwater wells in the vicinity of the subject property. The groundwater database 

searches were conducted based on BC Geographic System (BCGS) maps 092G054, 092G055 

and 092G064. The results of the searches are presented in Appendix D. 

According to the database, nine groundwater wells are registered within the area covered by 

BCGS 092G054. The search results for BCGS 092G055 and BCGS 092G064 were nil. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 23

4.0 SITE RECONNAISSANCE 

A site reconnaissance of the Additional Areas at the Britannia Mine was conducted on 

October 31, and of the Fan on November 6, 2001, by Vicki Skye-May, Environmental 

Geographer and Steve Sibbick, Senior Geochemist with URS. Mr. Terry Johnson, P.Eng., 

General Manager of the BC Museum of Mining and a former employee of the Britannia Mine 

accompanied Ms. Skye-May and Mr. Sibbick on the November 6, site reconnaissance. The 

purpose of the site visits was to: 

• interview persons knowledgeable about the subject property's history; 

• note any visual evidence of soil contamination, surface water contamination, and possible 

contaminant sources; 

• note existing land uses adjacent to the subject property and assess the potential for migration 

of possible contaminants to the subject site; and 

• obtain photographic documentation of the subject site. 

The findings of the site reconnaissance are summarized in the following tables. Photographic 

documentation is presented in Appendix E. 

4.1 FAN AREA 

Table 9 

Fan Area Site Reconnaissance Findings 

Potential Issues Findings 

The Fan Area is occupied by the BC Museum of Mining, small commercial 

establishments, Copper Beach Estates offices, a school, a postal centre, a 

firehall, and a few residences (Photograph 1, Appendix E). 

A number of museum buildings and others owned by the museum are 

periodically utilized by the movie industry during filming. There are also 

newer buildings that the film industry has constructed as movie sets. The 

museum rents space in some of the other buildings on their property to 

individuals who operate small businesses. 

Site Occupants and 

Activities 



Project No. 50319-001-310 24 

The following buildings and structures identified by the historical review as 

potential sources of environmental concerns are still present: 

• No. 3 Mill (Photograph 1, Appendix E); 

• Substation south of the No. 3 Mill; 

• Lime storage tank (Photograph 2, Appendix E); 

• Copper sulfate plant (Photograph 3, Appendix E); 

• Lead plant (Photograph 3, Appendix E); 

• Roots blower shed (Photograph 3, Appendix E) 

• Settling pond near the highway (Photograph 4, Appendix E); 

• Machine shop; 

• Blacksmith shop; 

• Motor shed (Photograph 5, Appendix E); 

• Welding shop and cutting shed (Photograph 6, Appendix E);

Table 9 



• Friction saw shed; 

• Roll shell shop; 

• Acetylene generator (Photograph 7, Appendix E); 

• Copper launder; 

• Upper sedimentation pond; 

• Framing shed; 

• Garage; 

• Oil house east of the historical warehouse (Photograph 8, Appendix 

E); 

• Pozzolon shed (formerly a garage) (Photograph 9, Appendix E); 

• Conveyor shed (Photograph 9, Appendix E); and 

• Pumphouse (Photograph 9, Appendix E). 

In addition, the locations of some historical structures (No. 2 Mill, the 

powerhouse, foundry, and warehouse) are still evident by concrete 

foundations and footings (Photographs 10 and 11, Appendix E). 

The BC Museum of Mining occupies the south portion of the Fan Area. 

Small business and a few vacant buildings occupy the remainder. The rest 

of the Fan Area is laid out along a small network of streets, occupied by a 

few small businesses and vacant houses. The Sea to Sky Highway passes 

Site Lay-Out and Access along the west edge of the Fan Area with vehicle access from the highway 

at two points. Vehicles also access the Fan Area from a residential street to 

the northeast. 

Pedestrian access to the BC Museum of Mining is restricted. 

Surface water runs on-site from upland areas on the east and south. 

Surface water infiltrates into the ground as well as draining directly into 

Surface Water Drainage Britannia Creek and Howe Sound at three outfalls which historically 

discharged mine tailings wastewater from the mill (Photograph 12, 

Appendix E). 

Wood siding and metal cladding comprise the dominant exterior building 

Building Construction, 

sheathing. A number of buildings are not heated. Heating for the rest was 

Heating and Cooling 

provided by oil-fired furnaces or electric heat. 

Evidence of vegetation which appeared stressed, stained or dying was not 

observed; however, contaminant impact to soils was evident by a complete 

absence of vegetation in many areas of historic mill operations, notably near 

Stressed, Stained or 

the mill and in the vicinity of the historic settling pond just west of the copper 

Dead Vegetation 

launder (Photographs 9 and 13, Appendix E). Staining of the ground, 

resulting from acid rock drainage, was also apparent (Photograph 14, 

Appendix E). 

The former sedimentation pond above the copper launder still exists. 

Evidence of the historical settling pond on the mining museum just east of 

the highway was visible in the form of low concrete walls now flush with the 

Ponds/Lagoons 

ground surface (Photograph 4, Appendix E). The location of the historical 

settling pond just west of the copper launder was also evident (Photograph 

13, Appendix E). 



Project No. 50319-001-310 25

Table 9 



Drains with the audible sound of running water were observed on the 

grounds of the mining museum (Photograph 15, Appendix E). According to 

Mr. Johnson, numerous pipelines, including drainlines have been 

encountered during excavation in the Fan Area. 

Drains/Sumps/Pits/Oil- 

Water Separators/Catch 

Basins 

Solid Waste, Hazardous 

Materials and Hazardous 

Waste 


Tanks and Aboveground 

Storage Tanks 

(USTs/ASTs) 



Project No. 50319-001-310 26 

In particular, trench drains were observed in front of the garage (Photograph 

16, Appendix E) on the museum grounds and closer to the mill. 

An oil change pit was observed inside the museum-owned garage 

(Photograph 17, Appendix E). 

The floor of the former lead plant slopes to an open trench drain running 

into a catchment under the east end of the building. 

Mr. Johnson advised URS that large piles of pyrite were stored historically in 

the ballfield (once referred to as “pyrite plaza”). 

Evidence of the historical storage of various bulk quantities of chemicals in 

the pozzolon shed/garage was observed. Labels still present above former 

storage bins identified the following chemicals: copper sulfate, soda ash, 

zinc sulfate, pine oil, and CX51. (CX51 has not been identified.) 

Waste rock and mine tailings are widespread throughout the Fan Area. 

Tailings underlie the paved area west of the highway (Photograph 14, 

Appendix E) and are evident close to the mill (Photographs 2, 3, 9, 10 & 11, 

Appendix E). The roots blower shed had been constructed on a bed of 

tailings. Large deposits of waste rock are present along the east bluffs 

above the Fan Area. 

As the mill is no longer operating, waste generated by occupants at the Fan 

Area can be characterized as primarily non-hazardous. Vehicle 

maintenance activities by tenants at the museum-owned garage would be 

expected to generate waste oil and solvents. At the time of the site 

reconnaissance, the tenants were not available to determine the manner in 

which these are stored and handled; however, no evidence of improper 

storage was observed. 

There is the potential for oil still to be present in old industrial equipment. 

Notable areas of old equipment storage observed during the site 

reconnaissance were at the boneyard on the museum grounds (Photograph 

8, Appendix E) and inside the former copper sulfate plant. A strong 

petroleum odour was detected near the old transformers stored inside the 

former copper sulfate plant. 

Evidence of unregulated dumping was observed along the side of the road 

near the church on the terrace east of the fan. Domestic refuse, including 

abandoned household appliances, was present at the dump site. 

An aboveground storage tank, reported to have been utilized for diesel fuel, 

is still present at the garage (Photograph 18, Appendix E). The AST was 

mounted on the roof of a shed on the west end of the garage, with the 

dispensing nozzle hanging over the trench drain (Photograph 16, Appendix 

E). The AST has not been used for several years by may still contain 

sludge, according to Mr. Johnson. 

A UST was reportedly located at an historic pump island immediately south 

of the garage (Dillon 1997).

Table 9 



Given the ages of the buildings, the presence of hazardous building 

materials would be expected. 

Hazardous Building 

Materials (PCBs, 

asbestos, lead paint, 

ozone-depleting 

substances) 

4.2 ADDITIONAL AREAS 



Project No. 50319-001-310 27 

PCBs may be present in electrical equipment such as fluorescent lamp 

ballasts, in old electrical transformers and capacitors stored in the former 

copper sulfate plant and those still remaining at the site of the powerhouse. 

A strong petroleum odour was evident near the transformers and capacitors 

at both locations. 

Asbestos-containing insulation has been identified around the boilers and 

pipes at the dry house and the school (Dillon 1997). Asbestos-containing 

insulation was also identified in the warehouse which has subsequently 

burned down (Dillon 1997). In addition, there is potential for asbestos to be 

present in old vinyl floor tiles, gyproc joint compound, and acoustical ceiling 

tiles. 

The presence of lead-based paint is likely. 

The potential exists for ozone-depleting substances to be contained within 

the cooling systems of refrigerators, coolers, and freezers. 

The Additional Areas are accessed via two roads. Sites within the Britannia Creek watershed 

(the 2200 Portal [Tunnel Mine], Mt. Sheer Townsite, Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area 

[Including Sawmill and Landfill 1.5 km Northwest], and Halfway Town) are accessed by the 

original road constructed in 1952. A locked gate just east of the Fan Area restricts access to 

authorized vehicles only. With the exception of the Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area, each 

site can be accessed directly from the road; a separate road branching off west of the 2200 Portal 

(Tunnel Mine) leads to the Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area. 

Primary access to sites within the Furry Creek watershed is provided by the road, on the north 

side of Furry Creek, leading to Victoria Camp. The roads are now utilized as active logging haul 

roads. Unauthorized access is restricted by locked gates. 

4.2.1 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) 

Table 10 

2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) Site Reconnaissance 



Activities 

The former Tunnel Mine site at the 2200 level has been abandoned. 

Remediation activities were being carried out by Millenium Plug 

Construction at the time of the site reconnaissance. In support of these 

activities, a diesel generator was in operation. 

The former powerhouse is the only significant structure still standing 

(Photograph 19, Appendix E). The roof is collapsed and the building is 

hazardous for entry.

Table 10 

2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) Site Reconnaissance 


Vehicle access to the site is via the road coming from Britannia Beach. 

Site Lay-Out and Access Access to the portal is restricted, however, the rest of the site is accessible 

Surface Water Drainage 



Stressed, Stained or 


Ponds/Lagoons 



Basins 



Waste 



Storage 

Tanks(USTs/ASTs) 

Hazardous Building 


asbestos, ozone-depleting 

substances) 

4.2.2 Mt. Sheer Townsite 

by foot. 

Mine water flows from the mine portal. Surface water flows from the south 

slopes adjacent to the site (Photograph 20, Appendix E). Surface water 

infiltrates into the ground as well as running to Jane and Britannia Creeks. 

The former powerhouse was constructed of timbers with metal cladding on 

the sides and roof. Piles of rubble are all that remain of other buildings. 

There is no heating or cooling. 

Evidence of vegetation that appeared stressed, stained or dying was not 

observed; however, contaminant impact to soils was evident by a complete 

absence of vegetation in many areas, notably near the site of the historic 

copper plant and in the vicinity of the portal. Impact from metal 

contamination was indicated by staining on the ground (Photograph 21, 

Appendix E); the orange colouration of the mine drainage flowing from the 

tunnel portal suggested the presence of acid rock drainage (Photograph 20, 

Appendix E). 

As part of the current remediation activity at the 2200 level, a settling pond 

has been constructed to which the mine water is diverted prior to discharge 

into Jane Creek. 

No evidence was observed. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 28 

As mine operations have ceased, there are no solid or hazardous wastes 

generated or hazardous materials utilized. There is evidence of the historic 

deposition of mine waste rock throughout the site (Photograph 22, 

Appendix E). 

A strong odour of petroleum hydrocarbons was detected around machinery 

remaining inside the powerhouse, indicating the potential for petroleum 

hydrocarbon contamination. 

There was no evidence of USTS or ASTs. 

There was no evidence observed of hazardous building materials. 

Table 11 

Mt. Sheer Townsite Site Reconnaissance Findings 



Activities 

The townsite is abandoned and with the exception of logging trucks passing 

through the townsite, there was no evidence of ongoing activities. 

No buildings were observed, however, the in-ground swimming pool is still 

visible and the concrete remnants of the historical copper launder remain 

(Photograph 23, Appendix E). 

Site Lay-Out and Access There did not appear to be any significant deviations from the site layout

Table 11 

Mt. Sheer Townsite Site Reconnaissance Findings 


depicted on historical maps. The former railway beds are now utilized as 

roads. 

There is a gentle to moderate slope to the south. Surface water drains into 


Britannia Creek as well as infiltrates into the ground. 

Building Construction, N/A 


Stressed, Stained or Evidence of stressed, stained or dead vegetation was not observed. 


Ponds/Lagoons No ponds or lagoons were observed. 

Drains/Sumps/Pits/Oil- None observed. 


Basins 

Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste materials, consisting primarily of scrap metal, were observed around 

Materials and Hazardous the historical copper launder (Photograph 24, Appendix E). 

Waste 

Underground Storage No evidence of current or historical USTs or ASTs was observed. 


Storage 


Hazardous Building N/A 



substances) 

4.2.3 Victoria Camp 

Table 12 

Victoria Camp Site Reconnaissance Findings 


Site Occupants and The camp is abandoned and, with the exception of logging trucks passing 

Activities 

through, there was no evidence of ongoing activities. 

The absence of buildings makes it difficult to determine the locations of 

Site Lay-Out and Access historical structures. The locations can be determined by orienting with the 

remaining portals and shafts. 


The site slopes to the south towards Furry Creek. Surface water runs 

towards the creek as well as infiltrating into the ground. 



N/A 

Stressed, Stained or Evidence of vegetation that appeared stressed, stained or dying was not 


observed. 

Ponds/Lagoons There were no ponds or lagoons observed. 



Basins 

None were observed. 



Waste 

Waste material consists of large piles of mine waste rock generated during 

mine operations (Photograph 25, Appendix E). A large mound of sawdust 

at the historical sawmill site reported by former mine employees was not 

discovered. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 29

Table 12 

Victoria Camp Site Reconnaissance Findings 


Underground Storage No evidence of USTs or ASTs was observed. 


Storage 





substances) 

4.2.4 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill & 


Observations for the Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area are summarized in the table below. 

The historic sawmill site was overgrown with vegetation with no evidence of the historic 

activities observed from the road. The landfill was no longer operating, however, a clearing 

alongside the road appeared to be used for parking and staging of equipment associated with 

logging activities. 

Table 13 

Head of Incline & 2700 Portal Area 



Activities 

Site Lay-Out and Access 



Project No. 50319-001-310 30 

The site is abandoned and, with the exception of logging trucks passing 

through, there was no evidence of ongoing activities. 

Several small shacks remain near the mine portals and the foundation of 

the former hoist house is evident (Photographs 26, Appendix E). 

While most buildings and the rail tracks are gone, the railbeds remain. The 

site is accessed via the road running through it, now an active logging road. 

The former railway beds are still present and now utilized as roads. 

Water seeps from the 2700 Portal and enters Mineral Creek, the most 

significant surface water drainage in the area. While the site is large with 


variations in site topography, the general slope is to the northwest. Surface 

water infiltrates into the ground as well as flowing into Mineral Creek. 

Building Construction, N/A 


Stressed, Stained or No evidence of stressed, stained or dead vegetation was observed. 


Ponds/Lagoons No ponds or lagoons were observed. 

Drains/Sumps/Pits/Oil- None were observed. 


Basins 

Mine waste rock generated during historical mining operations is 

widespread throughout the site (Photograph 27, Appendix E). A few old 


drums had been dumped in Mineral Creek below the mine portals 


(Photograph 28, Appendix E). A strong odour of petroleum hydrocarbons 

Waste 

was detected in the hoist house, suggesting the potential for petroleum 

hydrocarbon contamination.

Table 13 



Underground Storage No evidence of USTs or ASTs was observed. 


Storage 





substances) 

4.2.5 Halfway Town 

No evidence of the existence of Halfway Town was observed during the site reconnaissance. 

4.3 LAND USE AT ADJACENT LANDS 

Logging is underway in the surrounding mountains to the north, east and south of the Britannia 

Mine. Residential land use exists on the north side of Britannia Creek. There is a small area of 

commercial development to the south of the Fan Area, with a gravel pit located just beyond. 

Residential, recreational and resort development at Furry Creek are several kilometres southwest 

of the Victoria Camp. 

5.0 PROTOCOL 5 

Section 60 of the Contaminated Sites Regulation requires that each preliminary site investigation 

or PSI report submitted to the Ministry for review include a summary of the report or plan for the 

purpose of entry on the site registry. Protocol 5, Establishing a Format for Summaries of Site 

Investigation Reports and Remediation Plans, has been in effect since December 1, 1998. It 

formalizes the requirements for consultants when submitting preliminary site investigation and 

detailed site investigation reports and/or remediation plans to BCMWLAP. It consists of a 

checklist, signature/credential page, and statistical interpretation of summarized information. 

Protocol 5 Appendix B, Summary of Report Participants, and Appendix C, Report Summary – 

Site Information Summary, required with submission to BCMWLAP of Stage I PSI reports, have 

been completed by URS and are located at the back of this report. Protocol 5 has also been 

provided in a digital format as required by BCMWLAP. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 31

6.0 REGULATORY CONTEXT 

The following documents comprise the regulatory context for the subject site: 

• Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) effective April, 1997 and subsequent amendments, 

November, 1999; 

• B.C. Special Waste Regulation; and 

• Federal Fisheries Act. 

As the subject property is utilized for industrial and commercial use and is located adjacent to 

Howe Sound and fish-bearing streams, the CSR residential land use (IL) generic numerical soil 

standards and the CSR aquatic life (AW) standards for groundwater flow to a surface water body 

supporting aquatic life apply. 

The B.C. Special Waste Regulation (SWR; 1989) classifies substances as Special Wastes if they 

contain leachable contaminants at concentrations in excess of a specified maximum. The Special 

Waste Extraction Procedure (SWEP) test outlined in the Regulation is employed to assess 

contaminant leachability. Special Wastes may also be defined by their total content of certain 

substances. Soil or groundwater contaminated in excess of the Special Waste standard must be 

handled and disposed of as Special Wastes in accordance with the Regulation. 

The Canada Fisheries Act administered by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans 

(DFO) prohibits the discharge of a deleterious substance to an aquatic environment and is 

enforced by Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and BCMWLAP. Deleterious 

substances include contaminants regulated by the CSR. 

7.0 CONCLUSIONS 

Contaminants of Concern (COCs), Potential Contaminants of Concern (PCOCs) and Areas of 

Environmental Concern (AECs) have been determined for the Fan Area, and PCOCs and Areas 

of Potential Environmental Concerns (APECs) have been determined for the Additional Areas. 

The existence of mine waste rock and tailings is pervasive throughout the Fan Area; mine waste 

rock dumps and fill sites are common in the Additional Areas. Acidic drainage discharges from 

a number of mine portals. 

The AECs, APECs, COCs, and PCOCs are summarized in the following tables. Their locations 

are shown on Figures 8 to 14. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 32

7.1 FAN AREA 

The Fan Area has been subdivided into four Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs), as 

described below: 

• AEC 1, the Milling/Processing Area at the eastern-southern portion of the Fan Area where 

there has been the highest concentration of milling and processing activities directly related 

to the production of concentrates and disposal of wastes; 

• AEC 2, the Residential/Commercial Area/Storage north of AEC 1 activities were primarily 

residential, commercial, and storage, including historical port facilities along the shoreline 

and historical disposal of mine waste and tailings; 

• AEC 3, the Intertidal Zone of the Fan Area where there has been widespread deposition of 

tailings and that continues to receive potentially contaminated stormwater and groundwater; 

and 

• AEC 4, Lower Britannia Creek (adjacent to the Fan Area) which has received discharges 

from milling/processing activities in the Fan Area and possibly from upstream mine sources. 

Within the AECs, stormwater and 54 specific buildings or structures have been identified with 

COCs and PCOCs. Most of these are within AEC 1. 

Within the Fan Area AECs, the contaminants have been grouped into two categories: metals and 

petroleum hydrocarbons. Based on recent data sources indicating elevated concentrations of 

metals in soils, metals have been classed as COCs (Golder 2001). Petroleum hydrocarbons have 

not previously been detected on-site; however, their presence is suspected and they are classed as 

PCOCs. 

Location Number 

AEC 1 

LOCATIONS OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 

(multiple names/uses, 

which occurred at some 

sites, are indicated) 

Table 14 

Fan Area AECs & PCOCs (Figures 8 and 9) 

CONTAMINANTS OF 

CONCERN (COCs) AND 

POTENTIAL 


CONCERN (PCOCs) 



Project No. 50319-001-310 33 

RATIONALE FOR CONCERN 

1 No. 1 Mill Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 



4 Powerhouse 

Metals, petroleum 

hydrocarbons, PCBs 

Contaminants commonly associated with powerhouse operations.


LOCATIONS OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 




Table 14 




POTENTIAL 





Project No. 50319-001-310 34 


5 Concentrate Storage Metals Resulting from spillage in storage area. 

6 

Reagent Plant / 

Precipitate Storage 

Metals Resulting from spillage in storage area. 

7 Dorr Tanks Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

8 

Transformers / 

substations (multiple 

sites) 

Petroleum hydrocarbons, 

metals, PCBs. 

Contaminants commonly associated with leakage from electrical 

equipment. 

9 Ore Bins Metals Contaminants commonly associated with Britannia mine ore. 

10 Compressor Plant 


metals 

Contaminants commonly associated with leakage from 

compressors and compressor blowdown. 

11 Foundry Metals, phenols Contaminants commonly associated with foundry operations. 

12 Lime Storage Tank pH From spillage/leakage of lime. 

49 Slug Plant Metals Contaminants commonly associated with production of ball mills. 

13 

Settling Tank 

(Dorr Tank #4) 

Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

14 No. 4 Dewatering Tank Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

15 Unknown Tank Metals, pH 

16 

Copper Sulfate Plants 

(2 locations) 

Due to potential historical use as a settling/dewatering tank or a 

lime storage tank. 

Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

17 Lead Plant Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

18 Regrinding Mill 


hydrocarbons 

Contaminants commonly associated with mineral processing 

19 Settling Pond Metals Common contaminants associated with mill effluent. 

21 

Pozzolon Shed (Formerly 

a Garage) 


VOCs, metals. 

Common contaminants associated with vehicle maintenance, 

storage and dispensing of vehicle fuel, storage of new and waste 

oils/solvents.


LOCATIONS OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 




Table 14 




POTENTIAL 





Project No. 50319-001-310 35 


22 Pyrite Storage Metals Possible spillage in storage area. 

23 

Boilers / Steam 

Compressors / 

Generators 


metals 

Contaminants commonly associated with fuel oil utilized to power 

the boilers, with leakage from machinery, and compressor 

blowdown. 

24 Precipitate Storage Metals Possible spillage in storage area. 

25 Gasoline Warehouse 

26 Machine Shop 


metals. 


hydrocarbons, VOCs 

Resulting from spillage and leakage from gasoline storage 

containers. 

Contaminants commonly associated with machine shop 

operations. 

27 Blacksmith Shop Metals Contaminants commonly associated with blacksmith shops. 

28 Motor Shed 

29 

Welding Shop and Cutting 

Shed 

30 Friction Saw Shed 

31 Roll Shell Shop 


metals 


hydrocarbons 


hydrocarbons 


hydrocarbons 

Contaminants commonly associated with locomotive 

maintenance. 

Contaminants commonly associated with welding operations. 

Contaminants commonly associated with friction saw operations 

and maintenance. 

Contaminants commonly associated with roll shell shop 

operations. 

32 Acetylene Generator Petroleum Hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with acetylene generation 

33 Warehouse 

34 Coal Storage 

39 Forrester Machines 

40 

Lower Sedimentation 

Pond and Adjacent 

Storage Area 




hydrocarbons 


hydrocarbons 

Various contaminants are assumed to have been stored over the 

long history of the warehouse. 

Contaminants commonly associated with coal storage. 

Contaminants commonly associated with industrial operations. 

Metals, pH Contaminants commonly associated with copper launder effluent.


LOCATIONS OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 




Table 14 




POTENTIAL 



41 Copper Launder Metals 

42 Upper Sediment Pond Metals 

47 Oil Storage Tunnel Petroleum hydrocarbons 

48 

Carpenter Shed (Also 

Pattern Shop) 


hydrocarbons 



Project No. 50319-001-310 36 


Common contaminants associated with copper launder 

operations. 


operations. 

Contaminants commonly associated with handling and storage of 

petroleum products. 

Contaminants commonly associated with carpenter shop 

operations. 

49 Steam Plant Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with oil utilized as boiler fuel. 

50 Roots Blower Shed Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with blower compressors. 

51 Pumphouse Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with pumps. 

52 Generators Petroleum hydrocarbons 

53 

54 

Framing Shed (in 

Additional Areas) 

Unauthorized dump site 

(in Additional Areas) 

Petroleum hydrocarbons 


metals, PCBs 

Contaminants commonly associated with leakage and spillage of 

diesel fuel to power generators. 

Contaminants commonly associated with historical activities 

conducted at the framing shed. 

Contaminants commonly associated with unauthorized dumping. 

55 Storm water Metals Contaminants associated with mining/milling activities. 

AEC 2 

20 Garage 

35 Incinerator 

36 

Electrical Shop / 

Warehouse 


VOCs, metals. 


hydrocarbons 


PCBs 

Common contaminants associated with vehicle maintenance, 

storage and dispensing of vehicle fuel, storage of new and waste 

oils/solvents. 

Contaminants commonly associated with incinerators. 

Contaminants commonly associated with the historical storage of 

electrical transformer oil.


LOCATIONS OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS 




Table 14 




POTENTIAL 



37 Oil Storage Petroleum hydrocarbons 

38 Ball Mill 

AEC 3 


hydrocarbons 



Project No. 50319-001-310 37 


Resulting from spillage and leakage from oil storage tanks and 

containers. 

Contaminants commonly associated with ball mill operations. 

5 Concentrate Storage Metals Resulting from spillage in storage area. 

AEC 1, AEC 2, AEC 3, AEC 4 

Entire 

Fan Area 

Mine tailings/waste rock Metals 

Additional Areas Adjacent to the Fan Area 

8 

43 

Transformers / 

substations (multiple 

sites) 

Car (rail) Shop (in 



metals, PCBs. 


metals 

Contaminants commonly associated with mine tailings and waste 

rock. 


equipment. 


maintenance. 

44 Ore Stock Pile Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mill stock piles. 

45 Steel Shop 

46 

4100 Car Barn (In 


7.2 ADDITIONAL AREAS 


hydrocarbons 


hydrocarbons 

Contaminants commonly associated with steel shop operations. 

Contaminants commonly associated with rail car maintenance. 

Within the Additional Areas, the contaminants have been grouped into two categories: metals 

and petroleum hydrocarbons; both categories are classed as PCOCs.

7.2.1 2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) 

APEC # 

Table 15 

2200 Portal (Tunnel Mine) APECs & PCOCs (Figure 10) 

AREAS OF POTENTIAL 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERNS (APECs) 




POTENTIAL 



1 Powerhouse Petroleum hydrocarbons 

2 Warehouse 

3 

Motor Shed / Blacksmith / 

Machine Shops 

4 Electrical Shop 

5 Steel Shop ("Sharping") 


metals, PCBs 


metals 


metals, PCBs 


metals, PCBs 

6 Blower House Petroleum hydrocarbons 

7 Carpenter Shop Petroleum hydrocarbons 

8 

Copper Plant / With 

Settling Tanks 

9 Electric Shop 

10 Electrical Transformers 



Project No. 50319-001-310 38 


Contaminants commonly associated with powerhouse equipment 

and operation. (Olfactory and visual evidence noted.) 

Contaminants associated with the potential storage of a variety of 

materials utilized at the camp. 

Contaminants commonly associated with the various operations. 

Contaminants commonly associated with storage and repair of 

electrical equipment. 

Contaminants commonly associated with steel shop activities. 

Contaminants commonly associated with compressors utilized to 

provide air to the mine. 

Contaminants commonly associated with industrial carpenter shop 

activities. 

Metals Contaminants commonly associated with copper plant operations. 


VOC, metals 


metals, PCBs 

Contaminants commonly associated with electrical shop activities. 


transformers. 

11 Heating Plant Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with furnace oil. 

12 Freight/Oil Storage 


metals, PCBs 

Contaminants commonly associated with oil. 

13 Steel Rack Metals Contaminant commonly associated with storage of steel. 

14 Waste Rock Metals Common contaminants associated with mine waste rock.

7.2.2 2200 Mt. Sheer Townsite 

APEC # 

1 

2 


ENVIRONMENTAL 





Copper Launder (includes 

precipitates storage shed 

and outdoor storage area) 

Machine Shop and 

Bunkers / Steel 

Warehouse 

Table 16 

Mt. Sheer Townsite APECs & PCOCs (Figure 10) 

POTENTIAL 



Metals 

Metals, Petroleum 

hydrocarbons, VOCs 



Project No. 50319-001-310 39 



operations. 

Common contaminants associated with machine shop activities 

and with storage of steel. 

3 Furnace Oil Storage Petroleum hydrocarbons Common contaminants associated with furnace oil. 

4 Powder House Metals Contaminants commonly associated with storage of explosives. 

5 

Rail Beds (constructed on 

waste rock and mine 

muck) 


hydrocarbons 

Common contaminants associated with Britannia Mine waste 

materials and with railway activities. 

6 Waste Rock Metals Common contaminants associated with mine waste rock. 

7.2.3 Victoria Camp 

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


1 Blacksmith Shop 

2 Warehouse 

Table 17 

Victoria Camp APECs & PCOCs (Figure 11) 

POTENTIAL 




hydrocarbons 




Metal contamination commonly associated with blacksmith shops. 

Potential for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination due to 

presence of a furnace. 

Contaminants associated with the potential storage of a variety of 

materials utilized at the camp. 

3 Oil Storage Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with oil storage.

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


4 Tram Terminal 

Table 17 

Victoria Camp APECs & PCOCs (Figure 11) 

POTENTIAL 



Metal, petroleum 

hydrocarbons 

5 Carpenter Shop Petroleum hydrocarbons 



Project No. 50319-001-310 40 


Contaminants likely associated with operation of a mine tram 

terminal. 

Contaminants commonly associated with carpenter shop 

activities. 

6 Framing Mill Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with framing mill operations. 

7 Sawmill Petroleum hydrocarbons 

Lumber was reported not to have been dipped by ex-employees. 

While sawmill boilers at Halfway Town were wood-fired in 1923, it 

is unknown if they were at Victoria Camp. 

8 Burner Metals Contaminants commonly associated with wood ash. 

9 Hoist House Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with hoist operations. 

10 Ore Bins Metals Contaminants commonly associated with copper mining ore. 

11 Electrical Transformers 

12 Compressor House 


metals, PCBs 


metals 


transformers. 

Contaminants commonly associated with leakage from 

compressors and compressor blowdown. 

13 Waste Rock Metals Contaminants commonly associated with mine waste rock. 

7.2.4 Beta Camp 

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


Table 18 

Beta Camp APECs & PCOCs (Figure 11) 

POTENTIAL 





2 Locomotive Shed 

3 Blacksmith Shop (BSM) 


metals 


hydrocarbons 


maintenance. 

Metal contamination commonly associated with blacksmith shops. 

Potential for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination due to 

presence of a furnace.

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


Table 18 

Beta Camp APECs & PCOCs (Figure 11) 

POTENTIAL 





Project No. 50319-001-310 41 


4 ARD From Portal Metals Contaminants commonly associated with ARD. 


7.2.5 Empress Camp 

APEC # 

AREA OF POTENTIAL 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERN (APEC) 

Table 19 

Empress Camp APECs & PCOCs (Figure 12) 

POTENTIAL 

CONTAMINANT OF 

CONCERN (PCOC) 

1 Blacksmith Shop Metals 


Contaminants commonly associated with blacksmith shop 

operations. 

7.2.6 Head of Incline and 2700 Portal Area (Including Sawmill and 


Table 20 


(Including Sawmill & Landfill 1.5 km Northwest APECs & PCOCs (Figure 13) 

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


POTENTIAL 



1 Incline Hoist House Petroleum hydrocarbons Petroleum hydrocarbons 



3 Rail Car Repair Shop 


metals 


maintenance. 

4 Oil House Petroleum hydrocarbons Contaminants commonly associated with oil storage. 

5 Battery Charging Metals. Contaminant commonly associated with leakage from batteries. 

6 Train Shack 

7 

Creek Bed Below Armour 

Portal 


metals 

Petroleum hydrocarbons Petroleum hydrocarbons 


maintenance.

Table 20 


(Including Sawmill & Landfill 1.5 km Northwest APECs & PCOCs (Figure 13) 

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


POTENTIAL 





Project No. 50319-001-310 42 



9 Sawmill Petroleum hydrocarbons 

Contaminants commonly associated with operation of sawmill 

machinery. Lumber was reported by ex-employees not to have 

been dipped. 

10 Carbide Shed Metals Contaminants commonly associated with carbide. 

11 Smithers Shed Metals Contaminants commonly associated with smithing. 

12 Electrical Shop 

13 Landfill 

7.2.7 Halfway Town 

APEC # 


ENVIRONMENTAL 


1 Old Tram Station 

2 Town Dump 


VOC, metals 


hydrocarbons 

Contaminants commonly associated with electrical shop activities. 

Contaminants commonly associated with landfills. 

Table 21 

Halfway Town APECs & PCOCs (Figure 14) 

POTENTIAL 




hydrocarbons 


hydrocarbons 


Common contaminants associated with tram operations. 

Common contaminants associated with unregulated dumping of 

refuse. 

8.0 REPORT USE AND LIMITATIONS 

This Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation report has been prepared for the exclusive use of 

BCMWLAP and the Britannia Mine investigation team, and it is intended to provide 

BCMWLAP and the Britannia Mine investigation team with an understanding of the potential for 

environmental contamination by hazardous materials at the property assessed. The scope of 

services performed in execution of this investigation may not be appropriate to satisfy the needs 

of other users, and any use or re-use of this document or the findings, conclusions, or

ecommendations presented herein is at the sole risk of said user. Sampling of building 

materials, soil, groundwater and surface water and laboratory analyses of samples were not 

within the scope of work. The findings and recommendations in this report are based upon data 

and information obtained during a site visit by URS personnel to property identified herein and 

the condition of the property on the date of such visit, supplemented by information and data 

obtained by URS and described herein. 

The findings and recommendations contained in this report are based on the expertise and 

experience of URS in conducting similar site assessments. In assessing the subject site, URS has 

also relied upon representations and information furnished by individuals noted in the report with 

respect to existing operations and property conditions and the historic uses of the properties to 

the extent that the information obtained has not been contradicted by data obtained from other 

sources. Accordingly, URS accepts no responsibility for any deficiency, misstatements or 

inaccuracy contained in this report as a result of misstatements, omissions, misrepresentations or 

fraudulent information provided by others. 

It should be recognized that this study was not intended to be a definitive investigation of 

contamination at the site. Given that the scope of services for this assessment did not include 

soil or groundwater sampling and analytical testing, it is possible that currently unrecognized 

contamination may exist at the site and, if present, that the levels of contamination may vary 

across the site. Opinions and recommendations presented herein apply to site conditions existing 

at the time of our assessment and those reasonably foreseeable. Should environmentally 

significant changes to the site or additional information become available, URS should be 

provided the opportunity to review this information/data and amend our opinions, as appropriate. 

Definitive evidence against potential site contamination would require surface and subsurface 

exploration and chemical analytical testing. Fungi, mycotoxins, bioaerosols and other indoor air 

quality issues were not included in the scope of work. 

URS’s objective is to perform our work with care, exercising the customary thoroughness and 

competence of earth science, environmental, and engineering consulting professionals, in 

accordance with the standard for professional services at the time and location those services are 

rendered. It is important to recognize that even the most comprehensive scope of services may 

fail to detect environmental liability on a particular site. Therefore, URS cannot act as insurers 

and cannot “certify” or “underwrite” that a site is free of environmental contamination, and no 

expressed or implied representation or warranty is included or intended in our reports, except that 

our work was performed, within the limits prescribed by our client, with the customary 

thoroughness and competence of our profession. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 43

9.0 DISCLAIMER 

In the event that this report is provided in electronic format, URS is not responsible for uses of 

the data outside of or beyond the scope of our original agreement with our client. Our paper 

report represents our official work product. Also, because data stored on electronic media or 

transmitted by electronic means can deteriorate undetected or be modified without URS's 

knowledge, URS is not liable for the compatibility, completeness or correctness of the data. 

10.0 PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT 

The information compiled for this document has been prepared in accordance with the 

requirements of the Waste Management Act and its Regulations. 

URS certifies that the persons signing this document have demonstrable experience in the 

assessment of commercial sites. The work has been performed by URS staff under the guidance 

and supervision of the signatories below. 

Thank you for selecting URS for this project. Please call either of the undersigned at 

(604) 681-1672 if you require any clarification. 

URS NORECOL DAMES & MOORE INC. 

per: 

Vicki Skye-May, M.Sc. 

Environmental Geographer 

Douglas M. Whiticar, M.Eng., P.Eng., CEA 

Manager, BC Operations 

Senior Review 

H:\Ndm\50319\001\Historical Review.rpt\Britannia Stage I PSI.rpt.doc January 29, 2002 



Project No. 50319-001-310 44

11.0 REFERENCES 

Aerial photographs: 1947 (X637-739); 1951 (P. 13250:152-154); 1957 (BC2349:4-10, 

BC2350:17-23, 62-67); 1969 (BC7202:137-143 and 154-157, BC7204:3-9); 1972 

(RSA30518:54,55); 1976 (BC5715:66-68); 1982 (30BC82058:61-64, 30BC82060:18- 

21, 93-96, 130-134); 1990 (30BCB90019:199-204, 30BCB90020:16-26, 40-46); 1994 

(30BCC94122: 190-197; 30BCC94123: 3-10; 30BCC94144: 148-155; 30BCC94156: 

74-81). 

BC Archives MS1221, Box 120, File 38, 1966. A history of Britannia Beach and surrounding 

area. 8 pages. 

British Columbia Historical Society (BCHS). 2001. Internet site. 

BC Ministry of Energy and Mines (BCMEM)* Annual Reports: 

1900: pp. 930, 934, 994. 

1901: p. 1120. 

1902: p. 255. 

1903: p. 212. 

1904: p. 261-264. 

1905: p. 26, G268. 

1906: p. 215. 

1907: p. 158. 

1908: L158. 

1910: pp. 162, 166. 

1911: pp. 202-204, 213. 

1912: pp. 200-201, 238. 

1913: pp. 303-306. 

1914: pp. 390-391, K306. 

1915: pp. 293-295, K390-391. 

1916: pp. 431-432. K294. 

1917: pp. 271-275, 297-299, K371. 

1918: pp.291-292, F298. 

1919: pp. 225-229, K292, K310. 

1920: pp. 217-218, 227-228, N226. 

1921: pp. 225-229, N217. 

1922: pp. 245-249, G200, G227, G228. 

1923: pp. 263-267, N246, N247, N249. 

*BCMEM was originally the BC Ministry of Mines, then the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum 

Resources; followed by the BC Ministry of Employment and Investment. For purposes of this report, the term, 

BCMEM, refers to the Ministry throughout its existence. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 45

1924: pp. 229-240, A267.1925: 

1925: pp. 294-297, B230, A296. 

1926: pp. 327-330, A328. 

1927: pp. 362-364, C362. 

1928: pp. 427-428. 

1937: pp. F35-36, F36. 

1941: p. A78. 

1944: p. A66. 

1946: pp. A175-176. 

1950: p. A169. 

1956: p. 116. 

1958: p. 56, A56. 

1959: p. 127. 

1962: pp. 92-93. 

1963: p. 92. 

1964: p. 144. 

1966: p. 57. 

1967: pp. 61-62. 

1968: pp. 75-76. 

1969: p. 193. 

British Columbia Museum of Mining (BCMM). 2001. Photographs 

BCMELP. 1995. Permit PR-06025 and correspondence. 

BCMWLAP. 1999. Contaminated Sites Regulation, Section 20.11 of Bill 26, Waste 

Management Amendment Act, 1993, effective April 1, 1997, amended July 9, 1999. 

BCMWLAP. January 6, 2002, BC Online Site Registry Search. 

BCMWLAP. January 14, 2002. Groundwater Section Water Well Database Search. 

BCMWLAP. January 16, 2002. Legal description. 

Cumming, Dan. D’arcy, British Columbia. November 6, 2001. Interview. URS. 

DeLancey, P. R., 1978. Assessment Report 7021 – Geological and Geochemical report on the 

McVicar Group. 

Dillon Consulting Limited. 1997. Site Hazard Assessment: B.C. Museum of Mining, National 

Historic Site, Britannia Beach, B.C., 97-4289-02, December 3, 1997. Prepared for B.C 

Museum of Mining. 

Energy, Mines and Resources. 1981. Topographic map, 92G/11, Squamish, British Columbia. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 46

Environment Canada. 1973. The Burrard Inlet – Howe Sound Area: Preliminary Description of 

Existing Environmental Conditions. Department of Environment Report. 

Golder Associates. 2001. Britannia Creek Fan Preliminary Site Investigation, Britannia Beach, 

B.C., 012-1710, April 9, 2001. Prepared for BC Environment. 

Insurance Underwriters Association (IAO) Fire Insurance Maps. 1923. 1939 and 1945. 

Johnson, Terry, P.Eng., General Manager, B.C. Museum of Mining, Britannia Beach, B.C. 2001, 

2002. Interviews. URS. 

Knudsen, Ray, Copper Beach Estates. 2002. As told to Terry Johnson. 

Laird, James, Prospector, Laird Exploration Ltd., Lions Bay, B.C., BC Museum of Mining 

employee. 2001. Interview. URS. 

Lisle, T.E., 1980. Assessment Report 8207 – Geochemical report on the Bob Mineral claim. 

Mackenzie, K.R., 1981. Assessment Report 9714 – Geochemical Report on the Diddi (574), 

Kathryn (666) and Sarah (710) claims of the Alpen South property. 

Mackenzie, K.R., 1982. Assessment Report 10,549 – Geochemical Report on the Nadine (696) 

and Michael (697) claims, Raffuse Creek area, Vancouver M.D. 

McTaggart, G., and Gibbins, S., 1987. Assessment Report 16494 – 1987 Final Report on the 

Baldwin-McVicar claims. 

Millard, George A.,. Consultant, British Columbia Assets & Land Corporation, Development and 

Marketing Division, Lower Mainland Region. January, 2002. Correspondence. URS. 

Mitchel, Marvin A., P.Eng., Mitchell Geological Services Inc., Vancouver, B.C., former 

Britannia Mine employee. November 6, 2001. Interview. URS. 

Mullan, M., 1988. Britannia Mines (1888-1988) – Mill now a National Historic Site. in CIM 

Vol. 81, No. 912, p. 74-78. 

Mullan, M., 1991. Britannia – The story of a British Columbia mine. B.C.G.S.B. Open File 

1992-19, pages 41-52. 

National Topographic System Map 92 G/11, Squamish, B.C. 

Parliament, H., 1962. Assessment Report 494 – Geological and Geochemical report on mapping 

and soil sampling, Claims Bob 1 to 12 inclusive and Phil 4. 

Price, W.A., Schwab, T., Hutt, N. 1995. A Reconnaissance Study of Acid Mine Drainage at the 

Britannia Mine, March 1995. Produced for the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, 

Mines & Petroleum Resources. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 47

Ramsey, Bruce. 1967. Britannia – The Story of a Mine. Britannia Beach Community Club. 

Sharp, W.M., 1970. Assessment Report 2373 - Geological and Geochemical report Dal-Lily- 

Agape Group. 

Solid Waste Management Plan Section 2.0. November 1999. Squamish-Lillooet Regional 

District. 

Stephen, Robertson and Kirsten (B.C.) Inc. in association with Gormley Process Engineering. 

1991. Evaluation of ARD from Britannia Mine and the Options for Long Term 

Remediation of the Impact on Howe Sound, November 1991. Prepared for Ministry of 

Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. 

Trythall, Will, Former Britannia Mine employee. November 6, 2001. Interview. URS. 

West Coast Title. 2002. Legal Plan and title information. 

W.G. Timmins Exploration & Development Ltd., and Sivertz, G.W.G., 1983. Assessment Report 

11121 – Geological, Geochemical and Ground geophysical exploration program. 

W.G. Timmins Exploration and Development Ltd., 1984. Assessment Report 12165 – Report on 

the Jim Kim claim. 

W.G. Timmins Exploration and Development Ltd., 1984. Assessment Report 13028 – Report on 

the Gin, Scotch, Ring 7, 8 and 9, Lard, Moose, Lisa Dawn, Elk, Bear, Raven and Beans 

claims. 



Project No. 50319-001-310 48

Britannia Contaminated Sites Investigation Stage I Preliminary Site ...

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