Good news on the Raven Coal campaign!
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- Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2015 17:22
- Written by editor
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Good news on the Raven Coal campaign!
Dear PAOV,
Around this time last month, we notified you that the risky Raven Coal Mine proposal had been re-submitted to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). This week, we expected the EAO to announce whether or not the mine application would move on to a final review.
Instead, just hours before the announcement was to be made, Compliance Energy withdrew its application and pulled out of the environmental assessment process!
This is a surprise, but it’s a good surprise. Compliance provided only minimal reasoning for its decision, but it’s possible that they did not think the application was likely to be approved for final review. The company is also keenly aware of the groundswell of opposition against this project from people like you.
From the Comox Valley to Port Alberni, and all over Vancouver Island, citizens have voiced strong concern over the mine’s potential impacts to water quality, wildlife habitat, public safety and existing industries like shellfish production and tourism.
This move from Compliance shows that widespread public opposition and grassroots activism can push companies to step back from plans that threaten the environment.
By bailing on its second round through the environmental review process (its first application was rejected by the EAO in May 2013), Compliance Energy has reinforced its reputation as unprepared and unreliable. Public trust and social licence for the Raven Coal Mine has never been weaker.
Unfortunately, this campaign isn’t over – in brief media statements over the last few days, the company’s president has vowed that the application will be re-submitted and that they will bring the project back, yet again.
We’ll be waiting.
The threat to Fanny Bay’s water, Port Alberni’s harbourfront, our public highway infrastructure, the Alberni Inlet, the Baynes Sound shellfish beds and everywhere in between hasn’t disappeared for good. So we’ll continue to work with local groups like CoalWatch Comox Valley to fight the Raven mine should it rear its ugly head again.
If that happens, we’ll call on you for support as we have in the past. Together, we’ll keep the coal in the ground where it belongs.
Thank you so much for your continued support on this – it makes all the difference.
For a clean and safe Vancouver Island,
Torrance Coste | Vancouver Island Campaigner
Wilderness Committee
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