Dear Editor:
I was pleased, on attending the public forum at Douglas College on May 30 on the proposed coal port, to hear the overwhelming opposition, not just due to local concerns about the air, dust, water and perhaps noise impacts, but also the climate change implications of enabling even more coal burning.
We were informed that this particular coal is the worst possible fuel, and thus of low economic value. The proposed shipping terminal would seem to be the thin end of the wedge, as it is forecast to increase in volume over the years. Washington and Oregon have so far not allowed this type of coal export.
Almost everyone in the audience was opposed, and the panel on stage, with the exception of the CEO of the Fraser-Surrey Docks, expressed grave concerns about the negative impacts on health and air quality.
The project will only employ 25 full-time people, although there may be about 25 spinoff jobs. It was pointed out by an audience member, that even if it created 500 jobs, it should not go ahead due to the effects on climate and atmospheric quality.
I was also interested to note that aside from the mayor and Coun. Chuck Puchmayer, three NDP representatives from New Westminster attended the discussion (both federal MPs and our new MLA). No other political parties were noted as attending this important public meeting.
Colin Dover, New Westminster
