Please contact the GNWT’s Department of Environment and Climate Change for questions about wildlife, spills, air pollution, environmental laws, etc. They are the primary resource for environmental monitoring and enforcement as per the Environmental Protection Act.
Arsenic in surrounding lake water
The Government of the Northwest Territories has released public information regarding arsenic in the environment around Yellowknife caused by gold mining activity. Check the GNWT’s public health advice on where to avoid swimming, fishing and harvesting berries, mushrooms and other edible plants. It is safe to drink tap water in Yellowknife as it is tested regularly and arsenic levels are below Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water.
The Health Effects Monitoring Program ensures that remediation activities planned to take place at Giant Mine will not negatively impact people's health. For more information, visit the YK Health Effects Monitoring Program website.