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Coal threatens our well-being

This is a response to a letter stating that a coal mine five kilometres above Baynes Sound is an insane idea.

 

 

 

Dear editor,

This is a response to a letter that a Fanny Bay resident submitted stating that a coal mine five kilometres above Baynes Sound is an insane idea.

Standing behind the comment of John Snyder is two years of painstaking research by a highly qualified technical including a geologist, hydrogeologist, fisheries biologist, Ph.D., botanist/biologist experienced in mine reclamation sites, and a coal analyst also at the Ph.D. level as well as qualified mining engineers.

I will try to address some of Mr. Tinga’s comments from a factual and scientifically ascertained position.

1.   Run off: 56% of the quantity mined will be in  reject rock piles on the surface.

It will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to control the run-off from this toxic material. Small amounts of heavy metals leaching into Baynes Sound may impair the shellfish from reproducing thus harming this sustainable industry which employs 600 persons full time and contributes some $20 million to the local economy each and every year.

The above comment is based upon evidence presented by a geoscientist with 32 years experience in the mining sector – a fisheries biologist  and a Ph.D. Hydrogeologist who is also a professional engineer.

2. Metallurgical Coal:  The quality of coal in the Raven ore body is of a low metallurgical and high sulphur  content. In fact according to an expert coal analyst this coal will not make any steel unless it is mixed with a higher quality metallurgical coal.

Source: Retired research scientist with a major resource company.

3. The danger of pollutants from this mine to local wells and aquifers are similarly documented.

Vancouver Island University has mapped ‘”Vulnerable Aquifers” which include the  region affected by this mine.

I could not agree more that any decision to proceed with this mine should be based on science. All of the above information is in the public domain and can be sought, if indeed objectivity and verification of opinion is valued.

It must surely by now be clear, except to the most devoted “deniers,” that coal is one of the world's most serious pollutants and threatens the well-being of all of us.

I find it quite incredible that there are some who will continue to support an industry so harmful to both humanity and the environment on the grounds that we need steel. I find it also incredible that the assumption that coal is the only substance which can produce steel is so prevalent. However that is another subject for another day.

To be concerned for the welfare of the planet and all its inhabitants is indeed an emotional issue but one which is based upon both science and experience. It therefore cannot be dismissed on the grounds of unfounded opinion or short-sighed economic gain. Indeed any calculation which does not take into economic account both sides of that equation is fatally flawed.

In closing may I refer Mr.Tinga and anyone else to see reports published in the Record and during October 2010.

Campbell Connor

 

Ships Point