Dear Editor:
Re: Coal is critical to B.C. economy, In My Opinion, The Record, Jan. 10.
In response to Mark Gordienko’s letter, it all sounds wonderful with the jobs and revenue produced by the coal industry in B.C. But this is entirely separate from the coal dock planned at Fraser Surrey Docks.
Opponents of the dock have no problem with the B.C. metallurgical coal, mined, transported and exported for steel manufacturing. What we have a major problem with is the fact that the thermal coal planned for Fraser Surrey Docks will have been mined in Wyoming by U.S. miners, transported on U.S. trains manned by U.S. crews all the way to the docks.
This we are told would result in an additional 25 jobs (which could be reduced by automation).
In any case, B.C. is being used as a soft touch due to the public outcry in Washington and Oregon where, of six docks planned, three have been cancelled and there is some doubt whether the other three will ever come to fruition due to their much more stringent environmental and public input processes.
Another aspect – is it of no consequence that for every tonne of coal burned, more than two tonnes of pollution are emitted into the atmosphere, much of which falls on our part of North America?
Also the horrendous pollution caused, we are now told, results in up to half a million (yes, half a million) deaths in China annually.
Obviously, the U.S. wants to sell their coal PDQ before China says enough of this insanity. I rest my case.
David Gibbs, via email
