AP is reported that Department of Ecology is monitoring potential human and environmental health effects after the Teck Cominco Ltd lead and zinc refinery in Trail BC released an estimated 100 gallons of hydrofluoric acid into the Columbia River May 28.

According to DOE officials, the acid contained about 2,100 pounds of lead. It said that they are working with British Columbia and other Washington state and local agencies to help

1. Identify the possible extent of contamination and potential human health issues.
2. Observe and respond to potential effects on water quality, sediment and wildlife.
3. Identify and protect important fish and wildlife habitat areas.
4. British Columbia investigators are awaiting results of water sampling near Wenata.

Teck Cominco said that a spill of nearly a tonne of acid lead solution into the Columbia River in southern British Columbia likely did not pose a threat to wildlife or communities along the waterway. Mr Greg Waller a Teck Cominco spokesman said that "We certainty don't think so. It's just so small a volume relative to the volume of water in the river.”

Teck Cominco said that it shut down the smelter for about an hour on Wednesday following the spill. Mr Waller said that the spill happened at a failed heat exchanger, which is used to cool down acidic solution that leaches lead from ore.