Following an investigation by Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers, CaNickel Mining was charged in December 2018. The company was charged with one count of depositing or allowing the deposit of an effluent that contained a deleterious substance, in excess of authorized limits, in a place where the effluent may enter water frequented by fish (Bucko Lake). Sampling conducted by the mine showed that effluent released from the mine during July 2017 contained higher-than-authorized levels of the radioactive element radium 226.

In addition, the company was charged with one count relating to a failure to follow requirements to collect and test effluent samples on scheduled dates in 2017. Effluent sampling is a mandatory condition of an authorization to release mine effluent under the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. Sample testing is used to verify that the effluent meets the standards set to protect fish and fish habitat.