Teck Metals is appealing a Washington State ruling from 2016 that they pay the Colville Conferated Tribes $8.25 million.
A US District Court Judge sided with the Colville Reservation and ruled that Teck must pay for historical pollution in the Columbia River from its Trail smelter.
Teck spokesman Chris Stannell says they can’t comment on the specifics of the court case while its in progress.
Stannell says Teck has spent over $85 million US to identify whether historical practices in Trail have caused risks to human health or the environment.
He says studies show the river is clean, fish are safe to eat and beaches are safe for recreation.
The company is committed to completing a remdial investigation study to assess any potential risks or contaminants in the river.
