RE: Water and Food Trump Coal Mines Wiley you said, "the local councils of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberrland as well as the Regional District have signed on saying the mine should not proceed without comprehensive aquifer mapping."
Could you tell us exactly which location Compliance failed to test? CEC has performed aquifer tests in 43 different locations since 2009. Which one have they missed that those opposed would like further testing?
https://www.theravenproject.ca/letters-may-confuse/
The provincial and federal environmental assessment process is designed to ensure environmental values, including water, are protected. That’s why we’ve had independent environmental scientists out in the field conducting groundwater, surface hydrology and hydrogeology studies since 2009. These scientists have been reviewing historical data, collecting current data from Cowie and Cougar Smith Creek watersheds and portions of the Tsable River watershed, and completing groundwater monitoring and aquifer testing at 43 locations.
On the note of the ongoing opposition to this and the article from March 14, 2013 in the Comox Valley Local News, I believe the Minister of Environment Terry Lake and incumbent Don McRae said it best by pointing out that we have a legitimate EA process that is adequate and rigorous where many projects just don't get approved for not meeting requirements.
I can understand the role of local politics, and this being an election year, those wanting to get elected will play the politics game, but if they want to stop Raven, then Raven either has to fail in meeting the EA requirements, or the government has to change the EA process altogether, which would then cause all past and present and future projects to meet even stricter requirements than the norm to date.
I doubt the latter will happen as that would throw a wrench into many projects and possibly cause the loss of who knows how many mining jobs if current mines fail to meet the stricter requirements.
What I would like to see is, closer monitoring of environmental conditions after an EA Certificate is awarded and the mine comes into production. That is where money should go and that is where those concerned should focus their attention once any mine is approved. JMO
https://hqcomoxvalley.com/news/local/news/v/Local/153077/No-extra-studies-for-Raven-mine-site