Dear Editor:
Re: Coal is critical to B.C. economy, Opinion, The Record, Jan. 10.
Of course the unions would like to protect the jobs of their members, but at what cost to themselves and the rest of the population? Let's not forget that this is American coal going to China. The Americans refused to allow it to be transported by train or barge to a West Coast port on its way to China for a very good reason. Why should we do it for them?
Coal transported via trucks, railroads and cargo ships releases air pollution in the form of soot. We are not discussing the burning of coal here. Health problems are associated with every aspect of coal's life cycle including transportation. Inhalation of the coal dust released during transportation causes chronic health problems, the most severe of which is so-called "black lung."
Admittedly, the greatest threat is to coal miners, but even after removal from the coal mine, threats to public health remain. Coal trains, trucks and barges release coal dust into the air, affecting air quality. Spraying with a surfactant may mitigate the problem slightly, but it will not remove it entirely.
Transport Canada has classified bulk coal cargoes as hazardous. If a fire occurred at the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks expansion, we will be paying the price for many years. Just think of what that would do to property values in New Westminster. Also think carefully about what it will mean to our health.
Anne Moretti, New Westminster
