Editorial — What does ‘may wish to consider’ actually mean?

MONDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — One of our readers has raised a point many of us have probably been thinking as we read the official media releases about the Mount Polley tailings-pond spill.

The releases have demonstrated a life of their own, initially cautious, then hopeful, now cautious again.

When the first water-sample tests were completed, the Environment Ministry and Interior Health Authority were obviously pleased and a little relieved that they came back “within guidelines.”

More recently, though, they’ve sounded slightly nervous. Tests on sediment samples showed no risk to human health but levels of metal content exceeded provincial guidelines. That wasn’t unusual, they said, and was not likely to present a risk to future water quality.

However, the “do not use” order remained for water in the vicinity of the spill.

Friday’s advisory on fish gonads was tailor-made for some media fun. This time, fish were tested and, again, there was no risk to humans, said the IHA and environment ministry. However, levels of selenium were up in the livers and gonads of the fish that were tested and it was suggested that “those wishing to take extra precautionary measures” might wish to not eat the livers and gonads.

Late Saturday night, a media release went out saying the water quality in Quesnel Lake is changing, but still safe to drink. However, residents “may wish to consider” using other sources of water.

It’s good to be cautious, but when our own health authority seems to be waffling on whether things are really safe to eat or drink, and leaves it up to us to decide, it makes one wonder about their confidence level. A little more certainty in the advice coming from those responsible for public health and the environment surely isn’t too much to ask.