Marc Gaudreau, Comox Valley Echo, August 20, 2010

As time passes, we draw nearer to the possibility of MORE coal mining returning to Vancouver Island. The company pushing to do so (Compliance) is preaching all the positives that their proposed Raven coal mine can bring, the negatives are barely mentioned. Our provincial government is likely in full support of not only this potential new mine, but many others in BC as well. It is well documented that our government has basically supported as much as 99% of all mines that have applied for a permit throughout history.

Our provincial politicians are promoting B.C. as a "green" province at the same time they support new coal mines, arguably the dirtiest fossil fuel on the planet. It won't sully their 'green' stats because it won't actually be used here, but likely in Asia where emission standards are not considered high.

It's depressing to note that people who live next door to this proposed mine are accused of being NIMBY'S for voicing their concerns, when in fact those accused actually understand the situation's magnitude.

It is necessary that Islanders understand the initial 'Raven' mine is only the first of more coal mines in and around the Comox Valley. The writing is on the wall, if Compliance is allowed a permit for the Raven mine, there will be more soon to follow and rumored to be open pit coal mines.

These future mines could be within single digit kilometers of communities like Union Bay, Royston, Cumberland, Black Creek, or any other community near the areas Compliance owns the rights to. Check their website for yourself. So I remind those that cry out NIMBY, the people that are concerned with the Raven mine are in fact fighting the cause in advance for you. I believe the proper acronym would be NIYBY, not in your back yard, or NIABY, not in anybody's backyard.

A few short term jobs for locals, so already well-heeled individuals can make huge profits which do not go back into the local area just don't outweigh the risks associated with mining (not even taking into consideration the dangers to the miners themselves). Many believe, in this day and age, that we should be able to mine without damage to the environment, but, show me a mine, any mine, anywhere in the world, that has yet to NOT cause adverse affects during and after its existence. Yes, they can make us all feel better by showing all those trees they replanted to cover up the damage, but hey, are we all that naïve to believe that permanent damage has not been done? We are talking about our most important resources - water and air. Show us, I mean really show us a mine that has Not created damage. The Quinsam coal mine claims they are not responsible for increased arsenic levels, and they can continue to deny it, and that in and of itself is enough for them not to take any responsibility for any long or short term consequences. The public will almost always foot the bill for the clean up after the serious damage has occurred.

People of Vancouver Island, we have such a magnificent place to live, and its very existence is being put up for destruction by those who can't clearly understand how important it really is. The public input period has commenced. I ask all of us to take a stand, write a letter, participate and support the right to freely express our concern. Time is running out.

Marc Gaudreau
Fanny Bay

© Comox Valley Echo 2010

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