The City of New is seeking answers about a proposed coal terminal at Fraser Surrey docks.
New Westminster, Delta and Vancouver have voiced concerns that Port Metro Vancouver is handling the coal terminal expansion proposal through an internal review that doesn't require a public process. Fraser Surrey Dock is located across the Fraser River from Westminster Quay.
Port Metro Vancouver is currently reviewing an application from Fraser Surrey Docks to develop part of its riverfront site to accommodate coal that will be brought by train from the United States. The coal would then be put on barges and towed to Texada Island, where it would be stored before being sent abroad on freighters.
"We are writing a letter to Port Metro Vancouver asking for full details about the need, the want, the background," said Coun. Betty McIntosh. "We need to understand the demand. Why are they suggesting they need to do this coal at Fraser Surrey Docks?"
Coun. Bill Harper said he first learned about the proposal last week after being contacted by a reporter. The call came shortly after he returned home from a city business trip to China, where officials visited some of their friendship and sister cities.
"That's where it is all going," he said about the coal. "They have a huge problem with air pollution. You can physically see it."
Harper said there is a "whole series of questions" that the city needs to have answered about the proposal.
"This coal is called dirty coal," he said. "We have never been given anything that describes how it is going to be handled."
Harper said the City of New Westminster needs information about the proposal's potential environmental impacts for air quality and the Fraser River.
"We as a city need to be aware," McIntosh said. "There are a lot of environmental issues."
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said concerns have been raised about issues such as impacts on the Fraser River and the potential for the coal to ignite on its own.
"Our concern as a council is how does it affect New Westminster," said Puchmayr, who once worked as a coal operator during his days as a longshoreman.
tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com
