Philip Round, Comox Valley Echo, November 08, 2011

A further pitch is being made to toughen up the forthcoming environmental assessment for the proposed Raven coalmine near Fanny Bay.

Despite being in its area, Comox Valley Regional District legally has no say on whether the mine is eventually approved or not.

But CVRD planners have had input into a working group helping draw up requirements for detailed information on which the mine project will be judged by senior governments.

They believe they've made a lot of progress, although they feel some issues need further firming up.

So this week the regional district's committee of the whole unanimously agreed a fresh letter should be sent to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office.

It will spell out particular issues that the CVRD believes still need more work before the draft environmental requirements are finalized.

They include issues around the protection of Baynes Sound and its aquaculture industry; aquifer protection and the need for a study to ensure drinking water supplies are protected; bulk coal transportation issues, particularly detailed consideration of rail versus road options; and the potential impact of mining on nearby residential areas and their ecosystems.

Rural Area A director Bruce Jolliffe - in whose area the mine is proposed - said the proposed letter was much stronger than an earlier draft, and he was grateful for that.

It was, he added, critical for the regional district to keep on top of the issue and have reports back from the province on what action was being taken on the various points raised.

And Courtenay Coun. Ronna-Rae Leonard said she was glad the letter now had more teeth, reflecting the very real concerns of people in the area.

Committee and board Chair Edwin Grieve (Area C) thanked staff for their work and commended Jolliffe's tenacity on pursuing issues associated with the proposed coalmine and its potential impact.

pround@comoxvalleyecho.com

© Comox Valley Echo 2011

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