Philip Round, Comox Valley Echo, August 06, 2010

Federal environment minister Jim Prentice has reassured Courtenay councillors the potential environmental impact of the proposed Raven coal mine near Buckley Bay will be considered fully before any decision is made on the project.

The City had written to him after hearing concerns from Coal Watch Comox Valley, an organization expressing fears about the potential impact of the underground mine.

On Tuesday, councillors heard Prentice had replied to confirm the project would be subject to a "comprehensive study assessment" as required by federal law.

That, he noted, had formally started on May 17 and its wide reach included working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Port Alberni Port Office (through which the coal is likely to be exported), and the government's Major Projects Management Office "to ensure an efficient and effective process."

Prentice also confirmed the project would be subject to review under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act.

He added: "A cooperative federal and provincial assessment process will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the 2004 Canada-British Columbia agreement for environmental assessment cooperation."

Meanwhile, the Islands Trust - which is responsible for land use and planning policies on and immediately around Denman and Hornby Islands - is urging Courtenay to come out in outright opposition to the proposed mine.

It is worried about issues such as air pollution from coal dust and other particulates as well as the potential impact on Baynes Sound and its aquaculture industry.

The city council declined, however, to oppose the mine, with more than one councillor suggesting it would be inappropriate to take a stand while the environmental evidence was being assessed.

But Coun. Jon Ambler acknowledged the proposed mine was one of great concern to people both within and outside the Comox Valley, and he was glad the minister had given details of the process that would be followed to assess its potential impact on the environment.

"This is not just going to be swept under the carpet," he commented.

It was a process to ensure legitimate questions were answered properly, he added.

And Coun. Doug Hillian said that while he had some sympathy for those calling for immediate outright opposition, that would be inappropriate because of the process being followed.

© Comox Valley Echo 2010

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