Media Release, CoalWatch, July 9, 2012
A report released July 5, 2012, by noted hydrogeologist Dr. Gilles Wendling of GW Solutions, was critical of the proposed hydrogeology and hydrology studies as part of the environmental assessment process for the Raven Coal Mine Project near Fanny Bay, BC.
The report by Dr. Wendling was requested by CoalWatch Comox Valley Society in a review of the recently released Application Information Requirement/Environmental Impact Statement (AIR/EIS) Guidelines Document for the Raven Underground Coal Mine Project. The report noted that most of the comments and critiques expressed during the Draft AIR review process have NOT been taken into account and the AIR/EIS Guidelines have not been adjusted to address multiple and clearly expressed concerns and recommendations.
Based on the review completed by GW Solutions of the June 2012 AIR document, it appears that Compliance Energy Corporation will not use methodologies and tools adapted to the hydrogeological and hydrological aspects of the project to be assessed. Therefore, the environmental assessment will not be thorough and rigorous, if completed as proposed in the June 2012 AIR/EIS document.
“This report by Dr. Wendling comes on the heels of the BC Shellfish Growers Association criticizing the AIR/EIS for disregarding many of their recommendations as well”, said CoalWatch president John Snyder. “With the watersheds impacted by the proposed coal mine all flowing into Baynes Sound, the lack of rigorous water studies should be concerning to everyone”.
The local governments of Comox, Cumberland, Courtenay and the Comox Valley Regional District have all passed previous motions requiring the Province conduct a comprehensive mapping and modeling of the aquifers that may be affected by the proposed mine and that the Province use this information in its environmental assessment.
“With the report from Dr. Wendling concluding the proposed water studies on the Raven Coal Mine are inadequate and not rigorous, it remains to be seen what our local, provincial, and federal governments will do to protect our valuable Baynes Sound watershed”, said Snyder.
The complete report by Dr. Wendling is available on the CoalWatch website: www.coalwatch.ca
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For more information contact: John Snyder 250-335-2246
Click here to download the CoalWatch media release
Click here to download the GS Solutions report