Philip Round, Comox Valley Echo, June 28, 2011

The provincial NDP has formally weighed in on the Raven Coal Mine environmental assessment process - and it doesn't like way the issue is being handled.

In a four-page official submission to project assessment manager Rachel Shaw, Opposition Environment Critic Rob Fleming says there should still be a joint federal-provincial review panel to consider the proposals.

"It is clear that certain environmental concerns are not being addressed under the current terms of a comprehensive study, rather than a joint review panel, and that the ministers responsible are not doing enough to address the concerns of local residents and businesses," he writes.

"In order to satisfy pubic confidence, and ensure the environmental integrity of the project, we urge ministers responsible to refer the project to a full joint review and fully consider the additional environmental concerns in the thousands of submitted responses." He adds that further information and study is needed "in order to adequately assess the potential environmental, socio-economic and human health implications related to this project." Fleming lists areas where the Official Opposition in the Legislature believes further information is needed to address the fact that "impacted communities are justifiably alarmed about potential adverse impacts that may occur as a result of the project proceeding.

Specifically, they are the potential impacts on: jobs in the shellfish industry if contamination occurs; air and water quality, resulting in human health issues; wild salmon and trout habitats; other wildlife, especially birds; truck traffic volumes and truck safety; and carbon emissions and climate change implications.

The decision by the two senior governments not to have a joint review panel means, says Fleming, that "many outstanding environmental issues may not be addressed and the concerned public will not have the deserved opportunity to provide the project with the needed questioning and scrutiny warranted."

pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

© Comox Valley Echo 2011

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