Julia Caranci, Alberni Valley Times, November 15, 2011

Critics of a proposed coal mine project say the average person would "throw up their hands" at the barriers regarding learning if their opinion has been heard.

Coal Watch Comox Valley has slammed the recently announced public comment period on the proposed Raven Coal Mine Project, calling Compliance Coal Corporation's responses "vague, evasive, and anything but transparent."

John Snyder, president of the group, said the B.C. Environmental Office has "foisted" 1,100 pages of documents onto the public, expecting them to respond within two weeks.

"It took the proponent four months to respond to the 3,000 comments [from the first public comment period]," he said, adding that allowing such a short time period for a response is "a huge disincentive to participate."

"We deserve more respect for our work than this incredibly feeble showing from both levels of government and the proponent," said Maggie Paquet, a Port Alberni Coal Watch director.

Snyder said the average person would "throw up their hands" at the complex process. The current public comment period is a chance for residents to state (online or by mail) whether their concerns have been appropriately addressed by the proponent.

Federal and provincial officials will next create a draft that details all the studies the proponent must perform to satisfy all legitimate environment, socioeconomic and health concerns.

JCaranci@avtimes.net

© Alberni Valley Times 2011

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