The public pleaded its case to the federal and provincial governments' environmental assessors at a Pan Pacific Aggregates (PPA) forum Wednesday, citing concerns including noise and dust, and barges through Skookumchuck. But the government representatives were in no position, at this early stage in the process, to determine the fate of the mine project.
PPA is in the pre-application stage of the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) process - a lengthy process involving various stakeholders and extensive public consultation - with the actual application expected to be submitted in January, 2007. EAO approval is necessary to get a mine permit through the provincial mines ministry. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency would join the process if federal agencies, in this case the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) or Transport Canada, would need to issue a permit, explained Chris Barlow, representing the federal government. The area in question before the province is the northern operation site, called the Sechelt carbonate project. The plans include loading minerals by conveyor to barge load-outs in Sechelt Inlet, which exits through Skookumchuck Narrows.PPA's project manager Cal Mark said that barging through the inlet was found to be the most practical option, after looking at alternatives. Dust would be mitigated through water spraying, he explained, and the noise from the northern site would be well away from residential areas.
"We try to mitigate in any possible way we can," Mark said.
Dan Bouman, executive director of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, cited a petition that asks the federal agencies for a "full comprehensive study of all the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Sechelt carbonate project prior to the granting of any permit related to this project." The petition had 106 signatures Wednesday night. The barge movement and potential bridges over streams would fall under Transport Canada's jurisdiction, while the DFO handles marine life.
Well over a hundred people were at the forum at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt, with many people standing at the back. Dale Jackson pointed out that since the government representatives have just recently been brought on board, they should be versed on the project's history and issues, dating back to last spring. She said the efforts of the public to come out to meetings is "enormous" and noted there are records kept of past meetings for referral. She also asked that public meetings be held in the Pender Harbour and Egmont communities because the project involves the Caren Range.Jackson asked about the advisory group Pan Pacific is setting up, suggesting the group would serve to give information to line PPA's pockets.
President and COO Alan Whitehead said PPA is intending to set up an advisory committee of six local volunteers representing a balanced profile.
The audience asked numerous times how its protest could have the project turned down.
John Bones from the provincial EAO said if it found that significant impacts could not be mitigated, the EAO could make suggestions to appropriate agencies. Bones said the EAO needs to hear specific issues of concern so PPA could have the opportunity to address them. Neither government representative knew of any previous mine projects failing an environmental assessment. However, Bones noted earlier in his presentation, "Just because a project certificate is issued, it doesn't mean the project starts." The EAO certificate would be a "green light" for PPA to get permits from certain agencies, such as the DFO, he explained.
The EAO's next step is to form a working group, with representatives from PPA, the public, federal, provincial and local governments and the Sechelt Indian Band.
Public comments on the project will be posted at the website www.eao.gov.bc.ca, Bones said.
