Stacy Gaiga of Port Alberni also does not live in the Cowie Creek watershed (The News, April 13).
What she may not be aware of is that virtually every stream and river crossing this watershed from Wilfred Creek to Campbell River cuts through some of the coal-bearing formations and have been draining across and eroding through them for thousands of years yet we still see a healthy shellfish industry and clean water in the aquifers.
Many people are also unaware of is the fact that some of the earliest coal mining in the area was situated right in the Tsable River valley with a railway for carrying coal running right down the valley to Baynes Sound.
Mining in the early 1900’s did not concern itself with environmental matters yet there is still a thriving fish population in this river.
Modern Canadian Mining regulations are the most environmentally sound of anywhere in the world and are being copied by other nations and absolutely must take into account water security basics.
If you are concerned about the aquifer water quality and potential for shellfish contamination you must begin removing all the people and all the residential housing and all the industries that are situated around the shores of Baynes Sound.
The coal mine will have virtually no impact on the environment in comparison to these pollution sources.
Alf Randall
Qualicum Beach
