Overwhelming Public Response To Coal Mine Proposal Shows The Risks Are Too Great, Says Coalwatch

News Release, CoalWatch Comox Valley, July 4, 2011

Public concern about the proposal for a massive underground coal mine in the Comox Valley is so overwhelming that it's time to put the brakes on this process, says CoalWatch Comox Valley.

“After another round of public comment, there is nearly unanimous agreement in the community that the risks of a coal mine are simply too great,” said CoalWatch president John Snyder after his organization tabulated submissions made to the joint federal/provincial environmental assessment that is currently underway.

The public comment period ended June 27, but due to the labour dispute many submissions are still being posted.

“At three public meetings attended by about 1,500 people, only one person spoke in favour of the mine. In the over 2300 written submissions so far, more than 95 per cent of the respondents expressed deep concern or outright opposition to the proposal.

“It’s time for our elected representatives to listen to what people are saying and stand up for the community.”

Snyder said people are very concerned about the mine’s potential impact on water quality, fish habitat, road safety and hundreds of jobs in the shellfish industry.

“There is way too much at risk for this proposal to proceed at this time,” said Snyder.

“We asked for a thorough mapping and modelling of the aquifers in the region and for a more rigorous form of environmental assessment. Both of these requests have been turned down, and we have no confidence that the company can adequately address our deep concerns about the mine’s impact.

"We're calling on MPs John Duncan and James Lunney, and MLA Don McCrae, to listen to their constituents and speak out for an independent expert review panel with full public hearings."

For more details, visit www.coalwatch.ca