Re: “More space means more coal,” letter to the editor, May 20.
Sandra Ang’s letter incorrectly identified the cargo that would be handled by the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.
Subject to environmental approvals and a final investment decision, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project in Delta would only handle containers. These containers enable growing two-way global trade, and transport a wide variety of foreign imports, including clothing, food, car parts and household goods, as well as Canadian exports such as lumber, pulp, grain and specialty agricultural products.
As a trading nation, Canadian businesses and consumers rely on Port Metro Vancouver to get goods to and from market. While we don’t select the commodities that move through the port, we are responsible to provide a high level of safety and environmental protection.
Port Metro Vancouver recently submitted an Environmental Impact Statement for the project to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. This document summarizes four years of environmental studies, and concludes that the effects of the project, following the implementation of mitigation, are not likely to significantly affect the environment.
The results of our assessment and our proposed mitigation will be reviewed by a federally appointed independent panel with final approval resting with the Minister of the Environment. A panel review is the most stringent environmental assessment process in Canada. This process includes opportunities for public participation, including a comment period currently underway.
To learn more about the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, please visit www.portmetrovancouver.com/RBT2
Cliff Stewart
Vice-President, Infrastructure
Port Metro Vancouver
