Residents were voicing their concerns at a recent Pan Pacific Aggregates (PPA) information session in response to the company's proposed conveyor belt running from its mining site down to load-out barges in Wood Bay near Secret Cove.
The alternative proposed conveyor line would run down to Sechelt Inlet to barge out industrial minerals through Skookumchuck Narrows.
PPA is in the process of buying a private waterfront property in Wood Bay for the conveyor, as it investigates the Wood Bay route as an option, according to project manager Cal Mark. Randy Sterloff, whose family owns property in Wood Bay, was at the open house. "It doesn't seem feasible," he said outside the Seaside Centre in Sechelt.
He is concerned about the potential impacts to Wood Bay creek and wildlife. "That has been the water supply for our family for years," Sterloff said.
He noted the area has eagles, owls, hawks, elk and deer.
"I consider that property to be like a mini-biosphere," he said. "If they put that conveyor in there, we can kiss all that goodbye and kiss the fishing goodbye, not to mention lowering the property value. I think it is a pretty ignorant proposal."
He is also concerned the conveyor belt running through an animal corridor would block migration.
"What are they going to do, put animal crossings over top of it?" he added. "I just don't want to see the habitat destroyed."
Mark said the conveyor line would avoid old growth management areas and riparian areas. PPA expects to make its decision in June after doing marine surveys. Then it would contact the surrounding neighbours for discussion. Mark acknowledged that any neighbours' objections would have some clout in PPA's decision.
