After more than five hours of delegations - as well as a hearty debate among directors and a break to go into closed session to get legal advice - Metro Vancouver's board voted against the proposed coal facility at Fraser Surrey Docks.
Six-and-a-half hours after Friday's meeting got underway, the board voted to oppose coal shipments from the Fraser River estuary, other than the existing Roberts Bank coal port. It will also write Port Metro Vancouver to request detailed information on its review process for permit applications for expanded and new coal handling infrastructure at Neptune Terminals in North Vancouver and Fraser Surrey Docks, and to advise of its support for the inclusion of health impact assessments in the review of expanded and new coal handling infrastructure, as has been suggested by representatives of Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal heath authorities.
Port Metro Vancouver has received an application to allow Fraser Surrey Docks to accommodate a facility where coal is loaded from trains onto barges using a conveyor system.
Mayor Wayne Wright, a director on the board, joined the majority of directors who supported the recommendation by Metro Vancouver staff.
Industry officials, including those who would work at the site, urged the board to lend its support to the project because it would support the economy and create jobs.
Opponents of the project expressed concern about global greenhouse gases and the impact of coal on climate change, the transport of coal through the region and B.C. waterways, diesel particulate from rail transporting the coal that is coming from the United States and being shipped to Asia, environment and health concerns of exposure to fugitive coal dust.
Tim Takaro, a scientist at Simon Fraser University, said society is addicted to fossil fuels.
"We are asking the board to please help us kick the habit," he said.
Takaro, a New Westminster resident, also expressed concern about the type of coal that's proposing to be shipped on the site.
"It is both deadly and an economic dead end," he said.
Jeff Scott, president and CEO of Fraser Surrey Docks, said the facility has a proven track record of safe and reliable operations. He said Fraser Surrey Docks has seen a "significant downturn" in business since the economic downfall of 2008.
Scott said Fraser Surrey Docks is seeking a permit to build a coal facility within its existing operation, which would allow for the direct transfer of coal from trains to barges through an enclosed system. He said a comprehensive mitigation strategy is also in place and steps will be taken to control dust through the entire supply chain.
"We are confident coal can be barged safely," he said.
According to Scott, Fraser Surrey Docks will use best practices to create safe and efficient facilities. He said the site would be monitored on a daily basis and would respond accordingly if necessary.
While provisions will be made at the Surrey site to stockpile coal if necessary, Scott said Fraser Surrey Docks is "very confident" it would not require stockpiling of the coal.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr told the Metro Vancouver board the issue is likely one of the most important issues that would be considered by the board. With Port Metro Vancouver having expressed concern about the shortage of industrial land in the region, he questioned if a project that would create 16 to 20 jobs at the site and 50 throughout the entire chain is the best use of the prime-industrial site.
"It is a very dirty coal," he said. "It is the lowest priced coal on the market."
Andrew Murray, coal spokesperson for New Westminster Environmental Partners, said the group is "gravely" concerned about the project.
"The risks, there are too many," he said. "And there are very serious consequences."
Murray said the trains carrying the coal would be closely passing 12 schools and exposing kids to diesel and coal dust. "It's our position it is simply not worth the risk," he added.
Alan Fryer, spokesperson for the Coal Alliance, said the alliance is confident that the mitigation measure undertaken will ensure safety. He said opposition to the project isn't based on fact or legitimate health concerns.
"We work to some of the highest environmental standards in the world," he said.
Karla Graf, an environmental consultant from Triton Environment, said there will be "limited" potential for dust. Graf, working on behalf of the applicant, stated that numerous mitigation measures have been proposed to deal with dust and water management.
For an extended version of this story, go to www.royalcityrecord.com.
