Dear Editor:
Port Metro Vancouver wants to significantly increase shipments of U.S. thermal coal via open rail cars to Fraser Surrey Docks and via open barges to Texada Island for open storage awaiting transshipment overseas.
The human health, safety and environmental risks en route are substantial: from inhalation of coal dust and diesel particulate, to deposition of coal dust on farmland and into our waters to foul beaches, contaminate shellfish and more.
On Nov. 18, Port Metro Vancouver released a flawed environmental study by SNC Lavalin claiming the proposed coal terminal would "not likely cause significant adverse effects to the environment or human health." The study has been roundly criticized for using incorrect and out-of-date statistics, inadequate sampling data, barely considering human health issues and for failing to deal with any considerations from the mouth of the Fraser to Texada Island.
According to Wikipedia, SNC Lavalin and its affiliates represented 115 of the 117 Canadian companies, almost half of the 250 companies blacklisted from bidding on World Bank's global projects due to corrupt practices. SNC Lavalin is an engineering firm that designs major projects such as, you guessed it, port facilities!
Port Metro Vancouver is in a conflict of interest relying on a flawed study by a company with the potential to gain from designing the very facility from which the port itself stands to profit. Port Metro Vancouver has allowed just 30 days for public commentary but are not required to publish comments received.
Real Port Hearings is a public website which provides factual information and allows the public to send comments to Port Metro Vancouver.
Your comments will be automatically copied to other responsible authorities and create an open public record for all to see. Please visit www.realporthearings.org to have your say and see what others are saying about an important issue which could affect us for decades.
Jef Keighley, Halfmoon Bay, B.C.
