Pamela Suzanne Smyth, Oceanside Star, February 16, 2012

People feasted on locally grown shellfish Saturday as Coal Watch held its second-annual 'Plenty of Fish' extravaganza in cosy candlelit Fanny Bay Hall.

Over $7,500 was raised for their campaign to stop development of the Raven coal mine, which they say threatens marine harvesting zones in Baynes Sound.

The event, largely bereft of speeches, focused on appreciating a shellfish industry that employs 600 people and is expected to triple in the next decade, providing area waters remain free of mine tailings.

"This is an environmental haven for marine life, birds, animals and people," said Parksville-Qualicum NDP candidate Barry Avis. "Due to concerns, this event took no time to sell out. We hope the existing government doesn't sell out all that this region supports for the sake of short-term gain. "

Fanny Bay, February12, 2012

Ocean of Plenty II a huge success

On behalf of the officers and directors of CoalWatch Comox Valley Society, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in making last night’s sold out fundraising dinner a huge success. The support from the community as a whole was really heart warming.

Comox Valley Record, February 07, 2012

As Valentine’s Day approaches and the inevitable head-scratching intensifies, the perfect gift opportunity comes like sunset on a sandy beach.

Press Release, CoalWatch Comox Valley, November 14, 2011

CoalWatch Comox Valley has slammed the recently announced public comment period on the proposed Raven Coal Mine Project, calling Compliance Coal Corporation’s responses in the latest version of the tracking table, vague, evasive, and anything but transparent.

Media Release, CoalWatch, May 12, 2011

The countdown is on for people and organizations who wish to comment on the proposal for a massive coal mine in the heart of the Baynes Sound watershed.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced Tuesday that a 40-day public comment period into the proposed mine will start May 18, and the watchdog group CoalWatch Comox Valley is urging people to speak out.

Spencer Anderson, Comox Valley Echo, March 29, 2011

CoalWatch Comox Valley has been given $20,500 to participate in the environmental assessment of the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) announced the funding last Thursday.

An open letter from CoalWatch Comox Valley Society, February 25, 2011

Over the last 14 months, during which CoalWatch has been identifying and researching issues regarding the proposed Raven Coal Mine Project, it has become abundantly clear that there is a potential for significant widespread environmental effects from the project and that there is widespread public concern about the project.

The concerns about water and the aquifers in the area impacted by the proposed mine have been one of the key issues identified by Coalwatch during our research. The fact that the aquifers in the region surrounding the Raven Coal Mine Project have not been adequately mapped and have been classified in a study by VIU as “vulnerable” is very troubling. CoalWatch has been consistent in our request that the mapping and modeling of the aquifers in the entire region affected by the Raven Project be completed at the beginning of the environmental assessment process rather than at the end of the process. It’s just common sense to have all the aquifer mapping and modeling data completed at the beginning of the decision making process.

The other numerous issues and concerns regarding the Raven Coal Mine Project should also be addressed in the most rigorous environmental assessment available, a joint federal/provincial independent expert Review Panel with Public Hearings. The current “comprehensive review” is in our opinion, inadequate. An independent expert Review Panel would include Public Hearings rather than Public Meetings, and afford the opportunity of cross examination of outside witnesses. The Review Panel would also be at arm’s length from the government, it’s more transparent, and more likely to result in findings of environmental impacts.

CoalWatch has repeatedly asked both the Federal and Provincial governments to support our position on the aquifer mapping and modeling; and that the environmental assessment of the proposed Raven Coal Mine Project be referred to a joint federal/provincial independent expert review panel with public hearings. Given the magnitude of this project, it is both regrettable and amazing that in all cases these requests for support have been denied.

The full impact of this proposed coal mine cannot be adequately known without an environmental assessment by an independent review panel; and comprehensive aquifer mapping and modeling of the entire area impacted by this mine. Numerous citizens, environmental groups, and relevant local governments are also on record as supporting our requests. The residents of the Comox Valley, Port Alberni Valley, and all the residents of Vancouver Island deserve nothing less than the most rigorous environmental assessment available.

Given that both the CEAA and BCEAO, in our opinion, are refusing to exercise due diligence regarding the environmental assessment of the Raven Coal Mine Project, the Officers and Directors of CoalWatch Comox Valley Society have voted unanimously to oppose the Raven Coal Mine Project, and that our public messaging regarding the project shall reflect this opposition.

Notwithstanding the above, CoalWatch will continue to identify and research the issues surrounding the Raven Project and to advocate for a robust public participation during the entire environmental assessment process; and CoalWatch will also continue to be an active participant in that environmental assessment process.

On behalf of the Officers and Directors of CoalWatch Comox Valley Society,

John Snyder
President, CoalWatch Comox Valley Society

Click here to download the open letter

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the
CoalWatch Comox Valley Society Officers and Directors
February 23, 2011

GIVEN that CoalWatch believes that there is a potential for significant widespread environmental effects from the Raven Coal Mine Project and that there is widespread public concern over thisproject and…

GIVEN that the full impact of this coal mine project cannot be adequately known without:

1. an environmental assessment by a joint federal/provincial independent expert review panel with public hearings.

2. complete aquifer mapping and modeling of the entire region effected by the Raven Project being completed BEFORE the environmental assessment goes any further and …

GIVEN that CoalWatch has repeatedly asked both the Federal and Provincial governments for these studies and that these requests have been denied and …

GIVEN that numerous citizens, environmental groups, relevant local governments, and newly formed groups opposed to the Raven Project have requested these measures and …

GIVEN that both the CEAA and BCEAO, in our opinion, are refusing to exercise due diligence regarding the environmental assessment of this Raven Coal Mine Project …

I hereby make a motion that the CoalWatch Comox Valley Society officially oppose the Raven Coal Mine Project, and that our public messaging regarding the project reflect this opposition.

After no discussion, the vote to approve the motion was unanimous and the motion was carried.

Click here to download the minutes of the special resolution.

Campbell Connor, Comox Valley Record, January 06, 2011

Dear editor,

It was with surprise and dismay that I returned from my Christmas break to see a newspaper report regarding the visit of Mr. Abbott, a Liberal leadership hopeful.

CoalWatch News, December 17, 2010

Gwyn Frayne, TideChange, December 7, 2010

Council of Canadians recognizes community action efforts

A diverse group of Vancouver Island citizens working hard to ensure a proposed coal mine above Baynes Sound doesn’t get rubber-stamp approval, is being recognized by the local chapter of the Council of Canadians.

Pamela Suzanne Smyth, Oceanside Star, November 18, 2010

Local shellfish growers dished up a formal five-star fundraiser for CoalWatch in Fanny Bay last Friday.

Scott Stanfield, Black Press, Alberni Valley News, November 18, 2010

The Canadian government will not be initiating a federal panel review of the proposed Raven Underground Coal Project in Baynes Sound, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency confirmed Wednesday.

John Snyder, CoalWatch Comox Valley, November 14, 2010

The sold out gala shellfish dinner held last Friday night at the Fanny Bay Community Hall, was a huge success. A great time was had by all.

A special Thank You goes out to Nick and Fiona Mackey, Greg and Hollie Wood, and Jeanette Reinhardt who organized and coordinated this event.

On behalf of CoalWatch, I would like to thank our sponsors: Hollie Wood Oysters, Fanny Bay Oysters, Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd, Mac's Oysters Ltd, Baynes Sound Oyster Co, Party Shop Event Rentals, Fanny Bay Community Association, and Shimdesign.

Brad Bird, Oceanside Star, November 04, 2010

Brad Bird interviewed two members of CoalWatch, president John Snyder and vice-president Campbell Connor. Snyder, 63, is a former commercial truck driver who worked in Alaska and a 40-year Teamster member. Connor, in his 70s, spent many years as Dean of Student Services at Brandon University.

Q. Gentlemen, would you care to share some of your concerns about the pending coal mine with the residents of Oceanside? Mr. Snyder:

John Snyder, Alberni Valley Times, November 03, 2010

Re: "Article offers accurate and balanced coverage," (Alberni Valley Times, Oct. 25)

In a recent letter to the editor, John Tapics, CEO of the Raven Underground Coal Project, states that people deserve accurate information about the proposed project. He goes on to say that 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.

A-Channel News, October 21, 2010

Wawmeesh G. Hamilton, Alberni Valley News, October 21, 2010

Opponents of shipping coal from Port Alberni’s deep-sea port made their point once again at a public meeting this week.

More than 100 people gathered in the basement of the Steelworkers Hall on Montrose Street on Tuesday night.

Shayne Morrow, Alberni Valley Times, October 21, 2010

Little support among 100 who attended public meeting, but company CEO says upcoming reviews will ease concerns

The Raven Underground Coal Project is facing some serious roadblocks, judging by the response at Tuesday evening's public meeting at the Steelworkers' Hall.

By Jane E. Burton, Beacon Magazine, August 2010

Nearly eight months after the citizen’s group CoalWatch was formed the work continues at a steady pace for its volunteers. Three CoalWatch activists agreed to share their stories and explain why they believe that the Raven Underground Coal Mine Project must be questioned.