Phillip Woolgar, Alberni Valley Times, August 10, 2010

Officials with CoalWatch Comox Valley slammed the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Monday, over what they called a lack of information released about a massive mining project.

"The background documents, which were posted to the agency's website on Friday, leave too many unanswered questions," said CoalWatch chairperson John Snyder. "It is impossible to assess the impact of this proposed mine without a thorough mapping of the aquifers throughout the region."

He said CoalWatch intends to ask for full mapping and aquifer modeling, as well as a full independent expert panel review in Comox Joint Venture's proposed Raven Underground Coal Project.

"With so much at stake, it's crucial to have the most rigorous assessment possible," Snyder added. "This mine could jeopardize our well water, our air quality, salmon habitat, and hundreds of jobs in the shellfish industry. ... It poses serious risks to road safety, with massive truckloads of coal driving on the dangerous Alberni Highway every day. And there is a great deal of concern about huge coal transport ships going in and out of the waters of Pacific Rim National Park."

Comox Joint Ventures president John Tapics said the company will continue to focus on environmental studies during the public comment period.

"The primary areas are water and vegetation, wildlife and aquatics,' he said. "We are still in the middle of evaluating our feasibility study and also conducting the baseline environmental studies that have been ongoing. People should be aware that the facilities will be totally enclosed and dust will not be an issue."

Port Alberni residents have both supported and rejected the proposed mine, which is pegged to extract 2.2 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year, moving it through Port Alberni on its way to Asia.

The first round of public comment at the federal level is scheduled to last until Sept. 20., at which time the Agency will assess comments before either approving the project, or demanding changes before sanctioning the mine.

A provincial comment period is expected sometime in September or August.

A public hearing at the Capitol Theatre in June attracted a full house of 235 residents, none of whom spoke in support of the mine. That meeting was followed by picketing outside city hall and a petition was organized shortly after.

Resident Chris Alemany organized the petition, which led to four other people agreeing to gather signatures.

He said 75 people signed the document which calls for coal only if it is transported by rail.

"People seem very happy that there is a petition out there, and they can have their voice heard," he said.

"Without a doubt, the vast majority just don't want coal at all, and if they think they can make a difference by it at least coming by rail, then they see the value in that."

He said 95% of people oppose coal coming to Port Alberni in any way, be it by rail or by truck.

Few residents have said they want the proposed mine. Those who do said Port Alberni needs more opportunity for employment. Around 275 Island jobs and 500 spinoff positions are expected.

The mine needs to go through federal and provincial environmental assessments.

The current comment period is the first of two. Public comment for the provincial assessment hasn't started and a timeline hasn't been set.

To be included in the public comment period, e-mail Raven@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or mail Andrew Rollo, project manager at Raven Underground Coal Mine Project, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 805-1550 Alberni St., Vancouver, B.C., V6G 1A5.

More information about the proposed mine can be found at www.coalwatch.ca.

Officials from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency didn't return Alberni Valley Times phone calls by press time.

PWoolgar@avtimes.net

© Alberni Valley Times 2010

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