QUAYSIDE COMMUNITY BOARD Home

LETTERS & EXPRESSIONS OF SUPPORT

PETER JULIAN; MP [NDP]
NDP Energy & National Resources Critic
Burnaby/New Westminster
[READ LETTER HERE]
If you wish to contact Peter Julian you can do so at peter.julian@parl.gc.ca

FIN DONNELLY MP
NDP Critic for Western Economic Diversification Canada,
Deputy Critic for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (West Coast)
New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody
[READ LETTER HERE]
If you wish to contact Peter Julian you can do so at Fin.Donnelly@parl.gc.ca

New Westminster City Councillor: JOHNATHON COTY
made a surprise visit to the rally with young daughters in hand.
While Council was not officially asked to speak to those gathered (it is a Federal issue), the QCB was extremely pleased that Mr. Coty took personal initiative to join the voices opposed to coal expansion at the FSD. He spoke passionately and sincerely to those present. We invite you to express your support for Coty's position as he sits on City Council. Email Councillor JOHNATHON COTY.PS: Nearly a full month after the rally, and well after the QCB launch of the anti-coal expansion citizen initiative, it appears that City Council has heard from another Councillor who is recommending the City oppose the new coal facility.
READ ABOUT IT IN THE RECORD [May 15, 2013].

NDP MLA New Westminster: JUDY DARCY
NDP Candidate New Westminster at time of writing
I’m happy to see that my federal colleagues have written to the Port about this important issue.

I share their concerns. It’s not right that this expansion is taking place without thorough consultation. Port Metro Vancouver should not be able to make these major decisions that affect our community without a comprehensive environmental review. Decisions like this should be made with the same level of scrutiny and public input that we expect of other decisions that impact our rivers, the air and the environment as a whole.Please pass on my regrets and my sentiments to your gathering.

GREEN CANDIDATE New Westminster: TERRY TEATHER
As the Green candidate for New Westminster I am opposed to the expansion of the Fraser Docks coal facility. The potential environmental degradation to our immediate community is short-sighted and the lack of transparency and public consultation illustrates this disregard. How does the transport and sale of the dirtiest fossil fuel contribute to our goal of reducing GHGs? How can BC lead the fight for climate change when we become one of the largest exporters of coal on the planet? We will fight this initiative not just for our city but for the health of our planet.

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE New Westminster & Citizen Advocate: JAMES CROSTY
I want to make it very clear that I am not looking for ‘consultation’ on the matter of coal exports as part of the Fraser Surrey Docks expansion. I am 100% against the use of coal to obtain their expansion goals. I believe that expansion is beneficial and that fifty jobs are better than no jobs – but make it work with clean exports. The FSD transfers agricultural product and they want to transfer coal. Coal dust mingled with our food source is a recipe for disaster.

REMAINING CANDIDATES
The Liberal, Conservative and Libertarian Candidates were invited to reply, but as of this posting had not.

THE COAL-ITION PETITION - A Measured Success

THE GREAT NEWS IS WE HAVE COLLECTED OVER 400 SIGNATURES ON THE COAL-ITION PETITION – PLUS MANY LETTERS… These signatures were gathered primarily at the local New West office of QCB Past President JAMES CROSTY, for two weeks leading up to the finale No Coal Rally on April 21st.

Crosty made his office available to the public who had a place to come and voice there opposition to the use of coal to expand the FSD terminal. Sadly, as no public facility or space is available to the Quay area, we must rely on the good grace of area citizens to host the petition so the public could voice their concerns.

Additionally, over 60 signatures were gathered at the No Coal Rally itself outside River Market . A marvel when you consider the bitter weather conditions signators had to endure to pen their names – but 60 did and we are sograteful. These signatures are scheduled to be delivered to Port Metro Vancouver , New Westminster City Hall and our two NDP MP’s.

Meanwhile, you can still make your voice heard. You are invited to send your letters opposing the use of coal to expand FSD – please refer to ‘There Is Still Time To Sign’ in this section of the website

THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN...239 Sixth St Remains Open

Want to be part of the Coal-ition Petition to stop the use of coal to expand Fraser Surrey Docks? You can. James Crosty, QCB Past President has decided to conitnue making the Petition available at his office at 239 Sixth Street, New Westminster indefinitely. The public is welcome Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm to come and sign until the day before the Port Metro Vancouver is to make their decision to approve or not, the expansion request by FSD to transfer coal.If you are unable to make it into the office you can email Port Metro Vancouver directly. We encourage you to also copy us at the QCB so we have your opposition registered.

SAMPLE EMAIL COULD READ: | SUBJECT: AGAINST COAL PROPOSAL If against, you need only write “ I am against the Port Metro / Fraser Surrey Docks Terminal proposal to transfer/ship coal from this facility.”

PORT METRO VANCOUVER: Status of Promised Public Meetings

PREFACE: It was reported in both the Record and NewsLeader, two local papers, that PMS was to conduct public meetings on the expansion of the FSD terminal to transfer USA coal via rail to barges destined for Texada Island and then on to China.

As you can see by the accompanying letter of MAy 6th,the PMV,indicated they are holding 2 'open houses' but no dates were provided or locations.When pressed by email that May was near over and still not dates or locations provided, PMV responded by email (see below May 13, 2013) say that if any one was interested they could attend 2 open houses that are to be conducted in Surrey May 23 & 25. Without being pressured to pick a time and location, the QCB would not have heard about these open houses from the PMV - with only 10 days to inform our community so they might attend.

Are PMV going to conduct an open house here in New Westminster? The PMV said they are close to making a decision by the end of May, yet we have had no open house or consultation. Are we being purposely delayed so we are unable to organize an opposition to be present at these meetings - if they are ever held?

Again, we encourage you to contact the PMV to insist on a open house or public form - in New West! We encourage you to also contact your Councillor JONATHON COTY, who expressed his opposition at the No Coal Rally and your area MP's [see Letter of Support above for email addies]

HERE IS THE LINE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CITIZEN & THE PMV ON PUBLIC MEETINGS:

MAY 6, 2013
Dear Community Member,

Thank you for your interest in Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) Direct Transfer Coal Facility project permit application. We would like to provide you with an update on the project status and some additional background information.

In response to municipal and community interest for more public consultation on this project, Port Metro Vancouver is requiring FSD to conduct further consultation activities this month as they refine their project and finalize their proposed mitigation strategies. As part of this second phase of consultation, FSD will be hosting two open houses in May 2013, with a focus on:

1) clarifying the scope of their project;
2) responding to the concerns raised during the first phase of consultation;
3) communicating their proposed mitigations measures; and,
4) soliciting comments on the materials presented.

Once FSD has confirmed dates and locations for the open houses, we will notify you by email should you be interested in attending.

Background Information:

Our Mandate:
Port Metro Vancouver’s mandate is to facilitate trade on behalf of Canada. In exercising this mandate, we uphold the highest standards of safety, planning and environmental reviews. We strive to ensure that new developments and capacity expansions, driven by demand, meet applicable standards and minimize environmental and community impacts related to the handling and movement of goods.

Port Metro Vancouver recognizes that some citizens or groups may have concerns about the types of commodities that are traded through the Port. If these individuals and groups wish to have a dialogue about commodities, that conversation should take place between the people of Canada and senior levels of government, as it falls outside the scope of Port Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction.

Project review & decision making process:
Similar to a municipal development approval process, Port Metro Vancouver assesses project permit applications based on best planning practices. The project permit review will not be finalized until all of the required technical reviews and municipal, First Nations and community consultation are completed. All projects requiring public consultation are posted on our website.

Applicants may be asked to conduct studies to assess potential impacts on air quality, noise, light, traffic and transportation, navigation, safety, security, habitat, fish and wildlife, and soil and water quality.

Port Metro Vancouver conducts environmental reviews on all proposed projects within its jurisdiction. Projects with in-water works are regularly referred for a coordinated review process with agencies such as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Province of B.C. and Metro Vancouver. These coordinated inter-agency reviews are for proposed projects or activities that could impact riparian areas and marine and terrestrial environments.

At the completion of this comprehensive review process, Port Metro Vancouver makes its decision on the application. If a project permit is approved, it is typical for the permit to include a variety of project and environmental conditions of approval. These conditions will vary depending on the nature of the project and its potential impacts.

Concerns over coal dust:

Port Metro Vancouver has been monitoring coal dust at port terminals since the 1970s. The Port upholds the highest and best management practices to mitigate fugitive coal dust on terminals, and dust suppression techniques are important components we consider in our project review process. All our coal-handling facilities have air quality permits from Metro Vancouver. Additionally, Port Metro Vancouver regularly refers projects that cannot achieve emission reductions and have the potential for an increase in emissions to the regional health authorities.

The movement of coal by rail along Canada’s rail corridors is regulated by Transport Canada in accordance with the Railway Act. Our understanding is that rail service providers take significant steps to minimize fugitive coal dust, such as spraying each rail car at the mine site with a dust suppressant designed to create a crust on top of the coal.

As part of their project permit review application, Fraser Surrey Docks completed an Air Dispersion Modelling Assessment, available on our website. FSD is also required to submit an Air Quality Monitoring Plan as part of their mitigation strategies. We expect this plan to be shared with the public, municipalities and First Nations for their review and comment as part of the FSD’s second phase of consultation in May.

We encourage you to visit our website for further information on these and other project permit applications.

We recognize and respect that port communities require meaningful and ongoing input into the operation and expansion of port facilities, along with transparency in consultation processes and adherence to high environmental standards. We are committed to ensuring that our review of all proposed projects meets these high standards.

We hope you find the above information helpful. Thank you for taking the time to write to us.

Kind regards,

RAM CHUNGH on behalf of Public Affairs

PORT METRO VANCOUVER
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3T4
portmetrovancouver.com | canadaplace.ca

[After receiving this email, the Community Member wrote back saying they mention meetings but again after saying this repeatedly in local papers ...still no time or place...PMS sent the following letter in reply.]

On 5/13/13 6:38 PM, Port Metro Vancouver Public Affairs wrote:

Dear Community Member,

As you’ve expressed an interest in the Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) Direct Transfer Coal Facility Project Permit Review (PP2012-072), we would like to notify you with the details of FSD’s upcoming Open Houses should you wish to attend:

Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
15269 104 Ave Surrey, BC
Thursday, May 23rd, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday, May 25th, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

For additional information on the Open Houses and for a copy of the Open House Discussion Guide, please visit FSD’s website.

For additional information about FSD’s Direct Transfer Coal Facility Project Permit Application, and information about our Project Review Process, please visit Port Metro Vancouver’s website.

Thank you for your continued interest in this project.

Sincerely,

RAM CHUNGH on behalf of Public Affairs

PORT METRO VANCOUVER
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3T4
portmetrovancouver.com | canadaplace.ca

[The Community member replied to this email and asked when they meetings would be held in New Westminster, and this was ther eply May 16th. It is apparent that the situation is escalating as this email is from a Senior Planner. The area in bold was done by QCB to highlight the comment.]

On 5/16/13 1:42 PM, Chau, Lilian wrote:

Re: Fraser Surrey Docks - Dates for Open Houses

Thanks for your email.

Fraser Surrey Dock’s (FSD) Open Houses weren’t confirmed until this week, but they are definitely going ahead on May 23 and 26 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey. FSD, Lafarge and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail (BNSF) staff will on hand to answer questions and provide an overview of their proposed mitigation strategies. PMV staff will be attending to answer questions about the Port’s project review process and environmental review.

In regards to your specific question about New Westminster, PMV has received a request from the City of New Westminster for FSD to host an open house in New Westminster. We discussed Council’s request for an open house in New Westminster with FSD, and FSD has declined to host another open house in addition to the ones planned for Surrey, at this time. FSD has met and engaged with stakeholder groups such as the Quayside Resident’s Association and Queensborough Resident’s Association in New Westminster on the project, and will continue to do so as necessary throughout this consultation period. As such, PMV considers that the required open houses in Surrey and the 4-week long public consultation period will provide appropriate opportunities for public review and comment on the project during this phase of consultation.

Municipalities were sent a notification of the open houses and a package of materials for review and comment on Monday, May 13. This included City of New Westminster Council and staff. FSD mail-dropped the open house notice to over 9200 households in New Westminster, Delta and Surrey. All of New Westminster was included in the mail drop. This is an increase from the 3200 households who received the original project notification in September, 2012. Newspaper ads should be coming out in local papers (if not already) about the open houses this week and next week.

For more information about FSD’s open houses including open house materials, please visit FSD’s website.

For more information about this project please visit our website.

Thank you for your continued interest in this project.

Kind regards,
Lilian

Lilian Chau, MCIP, RPP, LEED GA
Senior Planner
Planning and Development

100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3T4
direct: 604.665.9129
main: 604.665.9000 fax: 1.866.284.4271
portmetrovancouver.com | canadaplace.ca

COAL - Is The Issue Not Expansion

The QCB has found out on its journey to oppose Coal at the FSD terminal has many complex and worth causes/issues related to it.For clarity, we want to make clear our position. We are not fighting the bigger battle of global warming, nor are we fighting against locally mined BC Coal exports which we recognize is a significant contributor to our provincial economy. Additionally, we are not against the expansion of Fraser Surrey Docks and the benefit it will bring to fifty new-hires.

What our opposition is against, is the use of coal to achieve the expansion goals. Coal is a dirty, toxic commodity and its presence at the FSD threatens our quality of life in New Westminster, specifically Queensborough, the Quay and Downtown. We also contend that the FSD is uniquely situated within proximity of many communities and will be subject to many whims of Mather Nature. Our fisheries have nearly been decimated on the Fraser River and are only now starting to show signs of recovery.

The unneeded barging of USA coal bound for China provides environmentally risky opportunities that the river, and the people living on its shores, can ill afford.We believe that the expansion of FSD can be achieved with the use of clean exports such as agriculture. While we have received over 400 signatures and received the support of MP's Councillors, Provincial Candidates and more in our opposition to the use of coal to expand the FSD, we have also made it known that we are also a voice for those who wish to favour the proposal. To date we have officially received no letters in favour of coal.

Coal is not the answer to the expansion of FSD and we ask the Port Metro Vancouver to ensure the people and environment that coal has no place in our communities. Let us work together to find economically sound alternatives that would bring benefit to FSD, Surrey, New Westminster and Canada as a whole.

MEDIA COVERAGE: 145 UPDATED LINKS

To assist in giving you a broad resource on the issue so you may become informed, we have collected the following 145 links to various media sites and their coverage of the coal/FSD expansion issue.

Posted as of May 10, 2013 CLICK HERE