SUDBURY, September 3, 2015 – Vale’s environment team released approximately 6,000 rainbow trout into the Onaping River today. The fish were raised in large tanks at the company’s surface greenhouse in Copper Cliff.
“These rainbow trout will be a great boost to the Onaping River’s fish population,” said Glen Watson, Superintendent, Reclamation & Decommissioning for Vale’s Ontario Operations. “This is our fifth fish release into the Onaping River since we began the fish stocking program three years ago and we’re already seeing great results.”
Stocking formerly stressed rivers and lakes is part of Vale’s local biodiversity enhancement strategy, which includes a variety of local environmental initiatives from fish stocking to beekeeping to planting milkweed to attract and preserve monarch butterflies. The company’s annual aerial seeding, tree planting and regreening initiatives also serve to enhance biodiversity in the community.
“It’s encouraging to see Vale continuing its active partnership in the ecological recovery of local watersheds through these efforts and the annual financial contributions the company makes to the City’s Regreening Program,” said Stephen Monet, Manager, Environmental Planning Initiatives, City of Greater Sudbury.
Vale works with the Ministry of Natural Resources to determine suitable donation sites for the fish it raises. Since 2012, approximately 11,000 fish have been released locally to the Onaping River and Ramsey Lake. The fish have been primarily walleye and rainbow trout along with some brook trout.
Contact:
Danica Pagnutti
Corporate Affairs Specialist
Vale, Ontario Operations
(705) 682-7165
danica.pagnutti@vale.com