John Tapics, Alberni Valley Times, October 26, 2010

Re: Oct. 21 story "Opposition grows to Raven Coal"

Reporter Shayne Morrow needs to be commended for his accurate and balanced coverage of the Oct. 19 meeting hosted by Save Our Valley Alliance and the Port Alberni and District Labour Council.

People deserve accurate information about the proposed Raven Underground Coal Project rather than unsubstantiated speculation about potential environmental impacts. Morrow accurately reported on concerns expressed by CoalWatch and other anti-coal advocates.

HE ALSO FAIRLY AND ACCURATELY STATED:

- The project would create 335 direct, full-time jobs as well as about 500 spinoff jobs

- 15 to 20 of those jobs, as well as a portion of the up to 50 transportation jobs, would be in Port Alberni

- Transporting coal to port by rail is an option being worked on by Southern Railway

- The Raven Project is prepared to invest millions in a spur line and loading facilities

- A small population of cutthroat trout may be affected by the project

- Public concerns will be addressed by federal and provincial governments as part of their environmental review of the project

Research gathered by a team of scientists over the last 18 months indicates the project will not affect Baynes Sound or have a negative impact on the shellfish industry, salmon bearing streams, local water wells, aquifers or air quality. This research will continue.

To minimize coal dust, all trucks would be covered, and both the conveyor system and coal storage facility at the port would be enclosed. This would be the first enclosed coal storage facility at any port in Western Canada.

Technical studies confirm 100% of the coal at the Raven Project is metallurgical and 88% of the processed coal will be suitable to sell to steel companies for steel-making. Steel is made by combining coal with iron ore and is essential for food production, clean water, housing, recreation and transportation.

More than 125 people have contacted the project directly requesting employment and contract opportunities. Many more have written or called to show their support.

The Raven Project would pay about $30 million dollars annually in salaries and wages. The average salary for direct jobs created by the project will be about $100,000 per year including benefits.

Accurate information about the project is available through the project website (www.theravenproject.ca), the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office website (www.eao.gov.bc.ca) and the Project Information Line (250-830-7346).

Those interested in knowing more about mining in B.C. can check out the Oct. 1 GlobalTV News Hour story at www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html.

John Tapics
President and CEO, Raven Underground Coal Project

© Alberni Valley Times 2010

Source