John Tapics, Alberni Valley Times, August 13, 2010

Stacey Gaiga's August 9 opinion letter, "Coal dust washed off trucks, largest concern," contains inaccurate information.

The proposed Raven Underground Coal Project is subject to federal and provincial environmental legislation to protect the environment, including marine life, fish and fish habitat, the watershed and the aquifers that provide drinking water for area residents.

The proposed mine surface facilities and on-site roads have been positioned to eliminate and reduce potential environmental impacts. The proposed project will not "kill a fish-bearing river," as stated by Ms. Gaiga.

Environmental studies indicate the mine will affect a small, mainly seasonal drainage within the Cowie Creek watershed. The mine surface facilities are proposed to be located approximately two kilometres upstream of a natural barrier to salmon and therefore, there are no chum salmon, coho salmon or steelhead trout that use this small seasonal drainage.

Cutthroat trout, common to the east coast of Vancouver Island, are found in this drainage. Federal law requires we create replacement fish habitat for habitat that is determined by the federal government to be adversely affected by the mine.

The proposed mine surface facilities would be located approximately five to six kilometres away from any local domestic water wells. Aside from the existing roads, which will be used for transportation, all surface facilities will be contained within one watershed. We do not anticipate that any drinking water sources will be affected by the proposed mine. We are building an aquifer map to demonstrate this. Surface discharges to any natural water courses are highly regulated and will have to meet all applicable provincial and federal standards.

The project will be designed and managed to protect shellfish, salmon and other aquatic species in Baynes Sound, as required by provincial and federal law.

The anticipated number of trucks from the mine site to Port Alberni per day is 75, not 100+. Each truck will be covered to eliminate coal dust, and trucks would not be washed here.

The Port Alberni Port site would be the first in Western Canada to have a fully enclosed storage facility, to reduce or eliminate coal dust.

The proposed Raven Underground Coal Project presents an important opportunity for a socially and environmentally responsible project that will provide economic and social benefits to Port Alberni and the Comox Valley. This includes 200 construction jobs, 250 well-paying, full-time mine, port and transportation operations-related jobs and 300-500 indirect jobs in the local or regional economy.

Accurate information about the project is easily available through the project website, a public information e-mail and phone line, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and B.C. Environmental Assessment Office websites.

We are committed to working to develop a socially and environmentally responsible project that strengthens both Port Alberni and Comox Valley communities.

We value and respect your commitment to seeking out accurate information in order to make informed decisions about the project.

Please check the following resources to stay informed about, or provide comment on, the project: www.theravenproject.ca; www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca; www.eao.gov.bc.ca, or the Project Information Line (250-830-7346)

John Tapics CEO
Raven Underground Coal Project

© Alberni Valley Times 2010

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