Coal Mine Threatens Island Livelihoods
The world-famous oyster beds of Fanny Bay. Photo: Nori Sinclair
Comox Valley residents gathered in late January in a large and colourful show of opposition to the proposed "Raven" coal mine. The mine, near Fanny Bay, would pose a major threat to the health of the Courtenay River estuary and the thriving shellfish industry in the region.
Compliance Coal Corp. plans to truck 40 million tonnes of coal from its proposed Raven mine along the narrow and winding Highway 4 to Port Alberni. The coal would then be shipped to Asia.
- On the cusp of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, the rally participants chose the colourful dragon as a symbol of perseverance and overcoming of obstacles. A 2-metre-high raven waved a sign saying Ravens Against Coal. Photo: Coalwatch Comox Valley
Comox Valley residents are strongly opposed to the mine, which could jeopardize the livelihoods of more than 500 people employed in the region's aquaculture industry if it contaminates water sources. Sierra Club Comox Valley is part of CoalWatch Comox Valley - a diverse coalition of groups opposing the mine.
"The Comox Valley draws thousands of people every year to experience its astounding natural beauty, and our Fanny Bay oysters are highly prized around the world, " said Mike Bell, co-chair of Sierra Comox Valley, which helped organize the January 21 rally. "A coal mine makes absolutely no sense in our region."
Read the article in the Times Colonist.
The Raven proposal is winding its way through the environmental assessment labyrinth, which lacks transparency and has disincentives for public participation.
- Over 400 people showed up for the no-coal rally, organized by the Denman-based group Water Dragon Alliance, with participation from Sierra Club Comox Valley, Coalwatch and other groups. Photo: Coalwatch Comox Valley
Local governments in the Comox Valley and Port Alberni, along with thousands of British Columbians, have called for a more rigorous environmental assessment review that would take the form of an independent review panel with public hearings. So far, those requests have been rejected at both the provincial and federal levels of government.
The B.C. Shellfish Growers' Association opposes the mine, due to its close proximity to flourishing shellfish operations in Baynes Sound.
Read a Sierra Club fact sheet about the Raven mine, coal and global warming, steel-making and a coal mining victory in the Flathead River Valley.
