Read this press release on Mining Watch regarding the Assembly of First Nations’ unanimous support for the Tsilquot’in people in opposing a second attempt by Taseko Mines to build a highly controversial gold and copper mine on their traditional territory west of Williams Lake. (July 14, 2011)
Read this article from the Comox Valley Echo on the K’ómoks Band’s opposition to the Raven Coal Mine – June 28, 2011
As the window for public comments draws to a close in the first stage of the environmental review process for the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine, nearly 2,000 comments have been submitted thus far from diverse individuals and organizations. Comments can still be sent by mail, so long as they are postmarked by no later than June 30, 2011. Here is Damien Gillis’ letter to the environmental assessment process.
——————————————————————————–
I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, not far north of Baynes Sound, the site of the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine. I have a deep affection for the Island, its ecologies, and particularly for Fanny Bay Oysters.
I am also quite partial to Port Alberni, its wild salmon, and local natural wonders like the Somass River, Cathedral Grove and Cameron Lake.
Moreover, I am gravely concerned with a globalized economic system that sees us ship raw logs and dirty coal halfway around the the world in bunker diesel-powered ships, putting the Canadian manufacturing sector out of business while poorly-paid Asian workers labour in coal-fired plants, fashioning those Canadian raw materials into finished goods – then shipping them all the way back to us to stock the shelves at Walmart and Home Depot. It is a profoundly inefficient and unsustainable system that depends on abundant, cheap fossil fuels (including Canadian coal like that which would be pulled from under Baynes Sound were this project to go forth), carrying unacceptable ecological consequences and very few commensurate economic benefits for the people of BC. This Raven Mine is not only the epitome of a truly insane socio-economic system – but it would greatly help facilitate its advancement.
For all of these reasons, I am steadfastly opposed to the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine proposal.
Since jobs and the economy are invariably the argument proffered by proponents of such projects, I feel I must specifically address this contention. The Raven project makes no sense economically for British Columbians, particularly in the communities directly affected by the project. The jobs offered pale in comparison to those threatened in the thriving local shellfish industry (600 jobs), tourism and retirement-orineted real estate, among other industries.
The associated truck traffic threatens the entire corridor from Fanny Bay to Port Alberni – including major tourism destinations in Combs, Cathedral Grove and Cameron and Sproat Lakes, not to mention Port Alberni’s world-famous salmon sport fishing industry. There is also the risk to the entire community of Port Alberni and surrounding ecosystems from the proposed 80,000 tonne coal storage facility at a new coal port to be built for the project. The mere notion of putting a coal storage facility in the midst of Canada’s most dangerous Tsunami zone is incomprehensible – especially in light of what we have all witnessed recently in Fukushima, Japan.
These aren’t whimsical what-ifs. These are serious questions that need to be fully accounted for in an honest and comprehensive risk assessment of the project. When when does so, it is clear that the risks absolutely dwarf the rewards from this project. Not, of course, for proponent Compliance Energy – but for the people of BC. And that is your one and only concern as public servants in reviewing this project. The Raven Mine is not, nor will it ever be with any amount of mitigation, an acceptable risk for the people and environment of this province and region.
In an era of climate change, peak oil, collapsing salmon stocks and ecologies, the Raven proposal would be taking us in precisely the wrong direction. We citizens have a duty to our fellow Canadians and our local ecosystems, but also to the world to do our part to ensure a more sustainable future for all. We are plainly not carrying our share of the load – and the Raven Coal Mine would only exacerbate that troubling trend.
You have heard from – at the time of this writing – some 1,800 individuals and organizations almost exclusively urging you to reject the Raven Underground Coal Mine proposal. The public will is clear and unmistakable on this matter.
I now add my voice to that chorus and hope that you will hear it loud and clear.
Sincerely,
Damien Gillis
Vancouver
The controversial proposal for an a coal mine in Vancouver Island’s Baynes Sound – home to a thriving shellfish industry – saw large crowds turn out to voice their opposition at three separate public meetings last week. The joint federal and provincial environmental assessment hearings on Compliance Energy’s proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine drew some 1,500 citizens in Courtney, Port Alberni and Union Bay – the vast majority vocally opposed to the project.
“It’s obvious the public has deep concerns about the proposed coal mine and the approval process,” said CoalWatch Comox Valley president John Snyder after the final public meeting concluded in Union Bay Friday night, with over 450 people in attendance.
According to CoalWatch – which, along with Coal Free Alberni, has been leading the swelling public opposition to the project over the past year – Monday’s meeting at the Filberg Centre in Courtney saw nearly 600 people, while 400 attended the Port Alberni meeting on Thursday, with another 600 tuning in online.
The hall in Union Bay was so packed the fire marshal had to restrict access.
In all, a staggering 200 people spoke in opposition to the project, with only one in favour.
“Public opposition to the mine is overwhelming,” said Tria Donaldson, Pacific Coast Campaigner at the Wilderness Committee. “It’s time for the federal and provincial governments to listen to what people are saying. There is simply too much at risk for this proposal to proceed.”
CoalWatch’s John Snyder said people expressed a wide variety of objections to the mine.
“The proposed mine puts hundreds of jobs in the shellfish industry at risk, it threatens our drinking water, air quality, and road safety, and it does not conform the vision our communities have for the future,” he said. “That’s why it’s crucial for the government to establish an independent expert panel review with full public hearings before any further consideration is given to this proposal.”
Now that they’ve have spoken out loud and clear for themselves, we at The Common Sense Canadian are urging our readers around the province to show their support for the people and environment of Vancouver Island. Click here to submit your own comments to the environmental assessment process by June 27.
From the Comox Valley Record – May 31, 2011
by Scott Stanfield
Campbell Connor drew a round of applause by requesting a full expert
panel review, along with aquifer mapping and modelling, as the
environmental assessment phase of the proposed Raven underground coal
mine progresses.
The vice-president of CoalWatch Comox Valley — part of a
standing-room-only crowd that gathered Monday at the Filberg Centre for
the first in a series of public hearings about the mine — said a
technical committee has compiled a list of “very serious gaps” in the
process after reviewing the draft Application Information Requirements
(AIR).
“The process we’re going through at this moment is less than that which we deserve,” Connor said.
“Overwhelmingly to date public comment has opposed the
mine in its entirety,” CoalWatch president John Snyder said. “We want to
be ensured that public opposition to the mine is noted in the official
record. No means no.”
Representatives from the BC Environmental Assessment
Office, Canada Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and project
proponent Compliance Coal Corporation answered a barrage of questions
from the partisan crowd. Andrew Rollo of the CEAA drew a chorus of boos
when he said the project does not warrant referral to a panel review.
Compliance CEO John Tapics said full aquifer mapping is
being conducted. Early indications show no ill effects on groundwater,
added Tapics, who figures the amount of water used to wash the coal
would be about equal to a medium-sized hotel. Most of the water used in
the operation would be recycled, likely coming from a groundwater
source.
The mine is in the pre-application stage. The Raven
coal deposit covers about 3,100 hectares in Baynes Sound adjacent to
Buckley Bay. The coal is classified as high volatile A Bituminous, which
Compliance says is suitable for the metallurgical market. Tapics said a
feasibility study indicates the underground mine would leave a “small
surface footprint.”
Opponents say the mine poses a threat to air and water
quality, and to salmon habitats and the shellfish industry in Fanny Bay.
Polluting the Cowie Creek watershed is another concern, as is trucking
coal along the Inland Highway to Port Alberni. Tapics said about one
ship would leave the port each month.
Mike Morel, a biologist from Denman Island, suggests
the study area is too small and should include, at minimum, all Raven
streams and wetlands.
Rudy Friesen said coal burned overseas will produce
about two million tons of carbon dioxide a year while the Raven mine
operates.
Robert McDonald said coal gas methane would have an even greater impact on climate change and global warming.
“Climate change is the most pressing issue for my
generation,” said Victoria’s Cameron Gray, a member of the Wilderness
Committee. “How can you proceed in good faith knowing coal is the
dirtiest of industries?”
His question garnered a standing ovation and spurred chants of ‘No more coal.’
Rachel Shaw of the BC EAO said government, rather than
making pre-determinations, considers the science and public opinion
before making decisions.
“I absolutely oppose this mine,” Diana Schroeder said.
“Mr. Tapics, can you tell us how much mineral tax you will pay from the
net profits?”
Tapics said the corporation and workers will pay
“significant income tax” but no mineral tax will be paid because it is a
privately owned resource.
The mine is expected to operate 16 years, and produce
about 350 full-time jobs, 200 construction jobs and 400 to 500 spinoff
jobs. Tapics said the average mining salary is about $100,000 a year.
Government says B.C.’s $6-billion mining industry
helped power an economic recovery in 2010. Spurred by increased demand
from China, B.C. increased steel-making metallurgical coal production by
20 per cent to about 26 million tons last year.
Additional public hearings on Raven Coal will be held
Thursday at the Port Alberni Athletic Hall and Friday at the Union Bay
Community Club.
The public has until June 27 to comment on the draft AIR and Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines. Visit www.eao.gov.bc.ca.
Read original article
What does Port Alberni have in common with Fukushima, Japan – besides a love for fish? Two things, potentially.
First, according to experts from Emergency Management BC, Port Alberni is located in the heart of the most dangerous Tsunami zone in the country, making it prone to a catastrophe like the one we just witnessed across the Pacific. Second, if Compliance Energy gets its way, the town’s harbour will host a dirty energy facility right in the path of the big wave.
Compliance is the proponent for the Raven Underground Coal Mine, near Fanny Bay, on the opposite side of Vancouver Island. The company wishes to truck its coal from there to Port Alberni – passing through Cathedral Grove along the way – to a coal storage facility in the town’s port, before being loaded onto ships carrying the black gunk to China. This week, the first round of environmental assessment public meetings is taking place on the proposed mine and coal port. The first of these, last night in Courtenay, saw over 500 people turn out to deliver a resounding message to representatives of the Canadian and BC Environmental Assessment Offices, opposing the plan.
Unlike the six nuclear reactors at Fukushima, fatally damaged by the recent earthquake and Tsunami, Port Alberni would be home to an 80,000 tonne coal storage facility – with catastrophic economic, ecological and health consequences for the community and region the next time the big one hits.
In 1964, a massive Tsunami unleashed by an earthquake in Alaska swept over the town on the west coast of Vancouver Island, causing $10 million dollars of damage (in 1964 dollars). Historical records show it is not a question of “if” but “when” the next one will come. There will be more significant earthquakes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other tectonic hotspots in the Pacific Ocean – and when they occur, there is the distinct possibility of another Tsunami ploughing its way up Alberni Inlet and causing all manner of devastation.
If there is an 80,000 tonne coal container there, the consequences will be unimaginable. Alberni Inlet is home to, among other ecological treasures, one of Canada’s most prominent salmon rivers, the Somass, which has helped the town lay claim over the years to “Salmon Capital of the World” (a bone of contention with my home town of Campbell River, which used to make the same boast).
According to Coal-Free Alberni president Satcey Gaiga, “The coal would potentially be dispersed throughout 600 hectares based on how far the water would reach in our valley, according to our Provincial Emergency Program information…I can’t believe the Environmental Assessment Offices provincially and federally are even considering these preposterous plans, allowing [Compliance Energy] to continue to go through the environmental assessment process to do this: HOW DO YOU MITIGATE A TSUNAMI?”
Indeed, British Columbians must ask their provincial and federal bureaucrats and politicians, “Have we learned nothing from Fukushima and the nuclear waste continues pouring into our Pacific Ocean?”
The environmental assessment hearings resume this Thursday in Port Alberni for what promises to be a fiery round 2. Click here for a complete schedule.
The CEA Agency and the EAO accept public comments submitted by any of the following means:
Rachel Shaw, Project Assessment Manager
Environmental Assessment Office
PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9V1
Or
Andrew Rollo, Project Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
320 – 757 West Hastings Street
Vancouver BC V6C 1A1
Click here electronic copy of the draft AIR/EIS Guidelines document and information regarding the environmental assessment process.
The coming mining boom in BC’s northwest has critics wondering if
current clean-up and enforcement plans are enough. Special report with
photo essay – from the Tyee’s Christopher Pollon – May 23, 1011.
CoalWatch Comox Valley Society
PO Box 157
Union Bay, BC V0R 3B0
250-335-2246
www.coalwatch.ca
May 17, 2011
The Honourable Terry Lake
Minister of Environment
Province of British Columbia
Parliament Buildings
PO Box 9047
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2
Dear Honourable Minister:
I was forwarded the written transcripts of your responses to MLA Scott Fraser’s questions yesterday in the afternoon sitting of the Legislative Assembly. Specifically regarding the current environmental assessment of the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine Project. Since CoalWatch Comox Valley was mentioned in your response as having been consulted as part of a CEAA/EAO workshop on March 13, 2011, I would like to clarify CoalWatch’s position on the comprehensive review environmental assessment currently being conducted.
On August 17, 2010 the Environmental Law Centre at UVIC , on our behalf, sent a written request to federal Minister of Environment Jim Prentice and provincial Minister of Environment Barry Penner, to refer the environmental assessment of the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine Project to a joint federal/provincial independent expert Review Panel for full public hearings. Written responses from both Minister Prentice and Minister Penner rejected our request. On January 18, 2011 in a meeting with provincial Minister Murray Coell, Coalwatch reiterated our request for an independent review panel with public hearings. Those in attendance at that meeting included myself, Campbell Connor from CoalWatch, Roberta Stevenson representing the BC Shellfish Growers Association, Minister Coell and several of his staff members. A letter was sent to Minister Coell on January 19, 2010 asking for his written support for an independent review panel with public hearings. The written response from Minister Coell rejected our request and stated that he was satisfied with the comprehensive EA of the proposed Raven Project.
CoalWatch believes that an independent review panel would be more rigorous, more transparent, and be more likely to result in findings of environmental impacts. An independent review panel would also include PUBLIC HEARINGS rather public meetings which are currently scheduled under the comprehensive review. We believe that a review panel is clearly in the public interest based on compelling evidence of:
the potential significant adverse environmental effects of this project: and
the deep and widespread public concerns associated with this project.
CoalWatch, with the support of numerous local governments, community organizations, individuals, and environmental groups representing thousands of British Columbians, will continue to advocate for a more rigorous environmental assessment of the Raven Project. Any implication that by participating in workshops conducted by the CEAA/EAO, CoalWatch now endorses or supports the current comprehensive environmental assessment of the Raven Project would be at best, misleading. CoalWatch does not support the current comprehensive review EA of the Raven Project, and will continue to call for a more rigorous and transparent environmental assessment, the citizens of Vancouver Island and British Columbia deserve nothing less.
I would be glad to meet with you and your staff to discuss the issues around the Raven Coal Mine Project. Please contact me personally if you have questions.
Sincerely,
John Snyder
President, CoalWatch Comox Valley Society
Sent via email and hard copy
Cc to Minister Don McRae and MLA Scott Fraser
On May 10, 2011, the CEAA/EAO (federal and provincial environmental authorities) announced that the 40 day public comment period on the draft AIR/EIS Guidelines document for the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine Project would commence on May 18, 2011 and end on June 27, 2011. Over the past 17 months, CoalWatch has been identifying and researching issues regarding the proposed Raven Coal Mine Project – located near the community of Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island – and taking part in public town hall meetings across Vancouver Island and Vancouver. The overwhelming consensus in all of these town hall meetings was widespread public concern over this proposed coal mine project, and there was ample evidence of potential adverse environmental impacts from the proposed project.
The proposed Raven Coal Mine Project would include a mine site situated just 5 km from the shoreline of Baynes Sound, home of a world famous shellfish industry. The coal mined from the 3,100 hectare underground mine, would be processed at the mine site, and then trucked by double trailer B-train trucks 80 km to Port Alberni. The proponent, Compliance Energy Corporation(CEC), plans to build a coal storage and loading facility in Port Alberni, and ship the coal product by Panamax freight ships to buyers in the Pacific Rim and Asia.
The proposed Raven Project is currently going through a “harmonized” comprehensive environmental assessment review. CoalWatch, along with numerous local governments and thousands of people across British Columbia, have asked for a more rigorous environmental assessment, a so called independent expert review panel with public hearings. This independent review panel would be at arm’s length from the government, be more transparent, and more likely to result in findings of environmental impacts.
The potential negative environmental impacts from this coal mine project are many. They include impacts to the aquifers in the areas impacted by the coal mine, contaminants flowing into Baynes Sound from the mine operation, transportation issues with trucking the coal to Port Alberni, and the numerous coal port issues for the residents in Port Alberni. Unfortunately, the requests for a referral of the environmental assessment to an independent review panel with public hearings, have been turned down by both federal and provincial Ministers of Environment.
Now that we’re into the next public comment phase of the environmental assessment of the Raven Coal Mine Project, what can you do to help? Inform yourself on the project. The three new documents just released are on the CoalWatch website: www.coalwatch.ca
These documents, the draft AIR document, the Working Group Tracking Table, and the Updated Project Description contain over 550 pages of new material, which would give anyone a headache trying to understand. CoalWatch will be identifying issues with the new draft AIR document and have suggestions and guides for commenting on our website in the next few days.
By far one of the most important ways in which you can help, is to attend the public meetings scheduled in Courtenay, Port Alberni and Union Bay. The format of the public meetings include a display information portion from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and then a break until 6 p.m. The most important portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. with presentations by the CEAA/EAO and the proponent (CEC) until 7 p.m. when the formal public question and answer session begins. So, bring your signs and questions or comments, and tell the CEAA/EAO and Compliance Energy what you think of this coal mine project.
Rafe Mair once said, “The current environmental assessment process provides for public consultation, but lacks the most important thing, a PROVISION FOR PUBLIC CONSENT.” He’s absolutely right. Vancouver Island is now faced with a proposal for a coal mine which will be situated only 5 km from a world famous shellfish industry. Compliance Energy has already identified other coal deposits in their 29,000 hectare coal tenure in the Comox Valley for future development. If the Raven Project is given approval, are the residents of the Comox Valley faced with more coal mine developments turning the Comox Valley into a Mini-Appalachia? If it can happen here in Fanny Bay, it can happen anywhere in British Columbia.
Now’s the time to SAY NO TO RAVEN COAL.
John Snyder is the president of Comox Valley CoalWatch – he lives in beautiful Fanny Bay, BC
PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday May 30, 2011 – Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay, BC
Thursday, June 2, 2011 – Port Alberni Athletic Hall, 3727 Roger St. , Port Alberni, BC
Friday, June 3, 2011 – Union Bay Community Club, 5401 South Island Highway, Union Bay, BC
From the Vancouver Sun – May 9, 2011
by Gordon Hamilton
VANCOUVER – Two B.C. first nations say they’ll join forces to fight a
major power line slated to run through their lands and are warning of
blockades unless BC Hydro changes its negotiating stance.
The move
by the Gitanyow and Lax Kw’alaams first nations comes after the
$404-million Northwest Transmission power line received environmental
approval from the federal government Friday, putting it one step closer
to construction.
They vowed they will not accept Hydro’s one-time cash offer, referring to it as “beads” in exchange for land.
The 344-kilometre line heading north from Terrace is expected to open
up the province’s northwest to mineral exploration and mining, creating
new wealth in the region.
Its route passes through the
territories of at least seven first nations. Four have yet to sign
impact benefit agreements with Hydro.
About one-third of the line
would go through territory belonging to the Gitanyow and Lax Kw’alaams,
who say Hydro has been inflexible in negotiations about their
participation and compensation.
“Based on what we have been
offered and the frustration we are feeling, we have withdrawn from the
process,” Lax Kw’alaams councillor Bob Moraes said Sunday. “We have
talked with the Gitanyow and they are prepared to join forces with us.
“We
are prepared to show BC Hydro that we are now negotiating as a
coalition and we are looking at forming a larger coalition with other
bands that have not negotiated an agreement yet.”
He said the first nation has told Hydro it will never accept ‘beads” from Hydro in exchange for rights to work on the land.
The
287-kilovolt line is to run from an existing substation at Skeena near
Terrace north to a new substation at Bob Quinn Lake near the Iskut
River.
BC Hydro describes the line as a major extension of
the provincial power grid, supplying electricity to support industrial
developments in the area, providing secure interconnection points for
clean generation projects, and enabling communities now relying on
diesel generation to connect to the grid.
It has won the support
of various industry groups, including the mining sector, which describe
it as the start of a new era for mineral exploration and development of
the area.
Glen Williams, chief negotiator for the Gitanyow first
nation, said in an interview Sunday that the first nation was close to
signing until Hydro signed a deal with the neighbouring Nisga’a that
includes lands disputed between the two first nations. The Nisga’a deal
provides Hydro with a less-costly route, he said.
“They gave our
neighbours, the Nisga’a over 60 kilometres of direct award [contracts
for clearing and road-building] smack in the middle of Gitanyow
territory,” Williams said. “It’s a huge problem for Gitanyow.”
He accused Hydro of resurrecting a territorial dispute between the two first nations.
“People
are quite angry and bitter that BC Hydro used the Gitanyow as a
bargaining chip to get as preferred route through Nisga’a territory,” he
said. “They have created a serious problem.
“It could delay the
project; it could jeopardize the whole project. It might even create
some conflict on the ground,” he said, referring to blockades.
One hundred and four kilometres of the line is over Gitanyow territory.
The
first 28 kilometres of the line is over Lax Kw’alaams territory, said
Moraes, who also warned that the Lax Kw’alaams could blockade any
attempt to begin construction if no impact agreement is reached.
The
issue for Lax Kw’alaams is different than for Gitanyow. While the
council is concerned about infringement on aboriginal title and impacts
on fish and wildlife, its primary desire is to take part in long-term
economic opportunities after the transmission line is built.
Lax
Kw’alaams has developed a strong business presence in the Northwest and
the first nation is seeking economic opportunities that go beyond what
administrator Wayne Drury termed Hydro’s “cookie-cutter” approach to
negotiations.
Hydro is offering a one-time cash settlement plus
participation in existing training programs for contractors and workers
for work during the construction phase.
Drury said it’s basically the same deal for the whole line and doesn’t address the different aspirations of each community.
“Resolution of the first nation issues will be critical to the project moving forward – and BC Hydro does not get it,” he said.
Drury
said Lax Kw’alaams businesses generate $100 million a year in revenues
and noted their chief councillor is on a trade trip to China that began
with meetings in Hong Kong with financial services giant Credit Suisse.
Lax Kw’alaams could easily partner with other companies to build the
actual line, not just clear bush, he said. Yet Hydro is treating them as
if they are not capable of participating in the economic benefits
associated with the transmission line.
Nobody from BC Hydro was available for comment on Sunday.