The following letter was sent to Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Martiquet and copied to Coast Reporter.
I was recently listening to a spokesperson from Port Metro Vancouver applauding the approval of the coal terminal and explaining all of the procedures put in place for environmental safeguards. However, I was alarmed to hear that, when asked who would be monitoring the barges once they left the terminal, he replied that it was beyond their jurisdiction.
I am a 37-year resident of Gillies Bay and live within three kilometres of the proposed LaFarge terminal.
My questions to you are:
Who will be monitoring the barges once they leave Vancouver and unload coal on Texada Island?
Who will be monitoring the coal dust that settles onto the adjacent community water supply, my organic garden or the land on which I raise my poultry?
Will someone be checking on the coal dust settling onto the shellfish the community harvests or the quality of air as idling bulk carriers release carcinogenic diesel fumes into the air we breathe?
Will there be studies to determine what will happen to the marine ecosystem when ships release their foreign ballasts?
Where will all the fresh water come from to constantly wash the barges? Will it be from Paxton Lake, which sustains unique, endangered and world-renowned stickleback fish (listed on the federal Species at Risk Act)? Are they in danger from coal dust?
I ask again: Who is responsible for safeguarding the health and environment of Texada Islanders and coastal communities?
We deserve a comprehensive health and environmental assessment. It is imperative that this takes place before the barges are allowed to endanger us all.
I respectfully await your reply.
