Yes, but the pollution of the Columbia River started back in 1896 and there weren't any rules at that time. When the rules were established Teck was in compliance. They still dumped a lot of pollutants into the river, but have admitted it, and have been doing studies costing millions of dollars since 2004 to establish what damage was made and what the costs of restitution will be.

Apparently, recent studies have shown that the beaches are safe for swimming, the water quality meets the US and Canadian standards and the fish is as safe or safer to eat than others in waterways in Washington State. Teck claims that the cost of clean-up will not be anywhere near $1 billion, but they are admitting culpability and are prepared to pay whatever costs can be justified.

The fact that they are not in an adversarial position with regards to prior polluting has to be a positive sign for their plans to mine in BC going forwards.