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Table 9 Fan Area Site Reconnaissance Findings Potential Issues Findings 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 Underground Storage Tanks and Aboveground Storage Tanks (USTs/ASTs) Britannia Contaminated Site Investigation Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation 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 Fan Area Site Reconnaissance Findings Potential Issues Findings 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 Britannia Contaminated Site Investigation Stage I Preliminary Site Investigation 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 Potential Issues Findings Site Occupants and 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.
Page 1 and 2: January 2002 File 50319-001 Britann
Page 3 and 4: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report prese
Page 5 and 6: TABLE OF CONTENTS Britannia Contami
Page 7 and 8: LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Elevations a
Page 9 and 10: BRITANNIA CONTAMINATED SITE INVESTI
Page 11 and 12: Table 1 Elevations and Correspondin
Page 13 and 14: � Untitled map showing mine claim
Page 15 and 16: under consideration for use in the
Page 17 and 18: 1923: The new mill began processing
Page 19 and 20: 1965: A road was constructed to Jan
Page 21 and 22: a frother (Ministry of Mines 1924).
Page 23 and 24: Table 2 Historical Summary of Build
Page 25 and 26: much of the townsite; the in-ground
Page 27 and 28: on it, and a 2-storey shack were al
Page 29 and 30: Table 7 Historical Summary of Build
Page 31 and 32: 3.2 BC MINISTRY OF WATER, LAND AND
Page 33: Table 9 Fan Area Site Reconnaissanc
Page 37 and 38: Table 11 Mt. Sheer Townsite Site Re
Page 39 and 40: Table 13 Head of Incline & 2700 Por
Page 41 and 42: 7.1 FAN AREA The Fan Area has been
Page 43 and 44: Location Number LOCATIONS OF ENVIRO
Page 45 and 46: Location Number LOCATIONS OF ENVIRO
Page 47 and 48: 7.2.2 2200 Mt. Sheer Townsite APEC
Page 49 and 50: APEC # AREAS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONME
Page 51 and 52: ecommendations presented herein is
Page 53 and 54: 11.0 REFERENCES Aerial photographs:
Page 55 and 56: Environment Canada. 1973. The Burra

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