Comox Town council recently passed a motion to oppose the further processing of the application on the proposed Raven Coal Mine until the provincial government conducts comprehensive mapping of the aquifers in potentially affected areas.
The motion also calls for an independent baseline study of Baynes Sound intertidal and subtidal benthic infauna community, as well as the request that the federal environment minister refer the project's environmental assessment to an independent review panel with public hearings.
The Comox council motion comes on the heels of a similar motion passed by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) in November 2012.
The CVRD and Comox council made previous requests in 2010 motions, which went unheeded, prompting these requests being sent to the elected representatives and appropriate agencies of the federal and provincial government.
“As the widespread public concern and opposition grows over this massive coal mine proposal, CoalWatch applauds the action of the Comox Town council and CVRD,” said CoalWatch Comox Valley president John Snyder. “They’ve shown real leadership in voicing the legitimate concerns of the residents of the Comox Valley.”
“From Day One, CoalWatch has been concerned about the adverse impacts a coal mine would have on our valuable aquifers, watersheds and shellfish industry, and we’re pleased to see these concerns addressed in the Comox Town Council and CVRD motions,” added Snyder.
The environmental assessment of the project is about to enter the 180-day review stage of the Application/Environmental Impact Statement. Part of this review will include a 50-day public comment period.
For more information and updates, go to www.coalwatch.ca.
— CoalWatch Comox Valley