The second of two huge coal projects is now being considered by the Port of Vancouver through Georgia Strait. These projects would increase coal imports from the U.S. through Twassassen to Texada Island and out Georgia Strait, increasing marine traffic 20 times over.
The Environmental Assessment (EIA) does not address many things including:
• the marine areas of Georgia Strait and all the people and other species that will be impacted by coal particulates and coal dust blowing and polluting the ocean and the sea-life here.
• it does not access the significant increase in marine traffic on safety for boaters, kayakers, etc. in the Salish Sea.
• it does not address the release of coal dust to shorelines and forage fish, birds and other creatures who feed here.
• it does not address the mitigations that are stated within, ie. there is no mitigation of polluting this Important Bird Area, and North American migration route for sea lions and multiple birds and fish.
• there is no mitigation for the increased carbon in the air and increased global threats from climate change.
• it does not address the human health issues brought to your attention by the various health authorities.
It’s time to stop being blind to the impacts of our decisions. It is our childrens’ and other species’ very survival at stake now. You can still write to the Port Authority or other provincial and federal politicians and view all comments through realporthearings.org.
Although virtually every municipal public body and health authority along the route has rejected the project and its EIA at this time, the Vancouver Port Authority seems determined to approve the project, as introduced in the Fraser Surrey Docks Environmental Impacts opening remarks. “FSD’s existing business has decreased significantly since 2009 and management is looking for opportunities to serve new customers.”
Sheila Harrington
Lasqueti Island
