PORT ALBERNI – About 235 people packed into the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday night to speak against becoming a coal terminal for Asia.

Mining analysts, critics, and leaders from the east coast of the Island warned people of the dangers of coal on the local environment and the problems associated with 150 B-train transport trucks hauling constantly from the proposed mine near Fanny Bay to the docks in Port Alberni

Mining analyst Arthur Caldicott was the first presenter, and spoke about the role of coal in steelmaking and how it negatively contributes to global climate change.

Objecting to the detail of his presentation, Wayne Crowley and failed mayoral candidate Jacques Savard began catcalling Caldicott, demanding only information specific to Port Alberni.

“We don’t care about that other stuff,” shouted Crowley.

John Schneider from CoalWatch Comox seized upon the attitude of the audience, and spoke in detail about the effects of increased truck traffic through Port Alberni.

According to Schneider, large B-train transport trucks will haul down Redford, Third, and Kingsway at a rate of 3.3 trucks per hour, 150 trucks per day, 1,050 per week, 4,200 a month, and 54,600 a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The retired commercial truck driver said a safety station is needed at the top of the hump to force vehicle checks before the 62-tonne trucks begin their steep descent into Port Alberni.

Compliance Coal President John Tapics spoke at a recent Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce meeting, where he was clear that his company favoured using trucks on the existing highways, and would not consider using rail or alternate routes unless the required work was done for them.

The Compliance Coal Corporation plans to construct a covered coal storage structure that spans berths 1 and 2 at the Port Alberni Port Authority’s waterfront facilities.

According to Schneider, coal has volatile properties and can spontaneously combust, and there is a risk of explosion when 80,000 tons is stored in an enclosed shed as is Compliance’s plan.

Alberni – Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser, Qualicum acting mayor Barry Avis, and Denman Island trustee Roxanna Mandryk offered political insights and personal concerns about the Raven Underground Coal Project.

Sarah Cox from the Sierra Club joined an emotional Tria Donaldson from the Western Canada Wilderness Committee to discuss the environmental hazards of coal storage along the waterfront, which is also a salmon migration route.

“At the very same time that BC is trying to be seen as a Green leader, we’re investing in the worst of all resource industries,” said Donaldson.
Organizer and emcee Stacey Gaiga then opened the microphones for the many people wanting to ask questions.

Chris Marshall voiced concern about incoming Panamex freighters discharging coal sludge ballast into Barkley Sound on their way into Port, and the effects of coal trucks on his tourism business.

Marshall, who owns the Fat Salmon Hostel along with his wife Charmead Schella, said the increased truck traffic up Third Avenue would destroy his hostel business, and would result in his family being forced out of town.

Concerns about coal dust, truck traffic, shipping, and the overall safety of the project were debated and discussed.

“I don’t want to see it come by road. I don’t want to see it come by rail. I don’t want to see it come here at all,” said Irene Robinson to the cheers of the crowd.

Port Alberni Mayor Ken McRae and most of his councillors and senior staff were at the meeting as observers, and the mayor admitted afterwards that he's opposed to an increase in truck traffic along Redford and Third.

“B-trains along that route scares the heck out of me,” he said.

As for taxes, because Compliance owns the property and mineral rights outright, they will not be subject to provincial mine taxes. And the City of Port Alberni has yet to study municipal tax implications.

Organizer Stacy Gaiga was pleased with the diversity of people at the meeting, and the information and questions brought forward.

“It was a really great discourse, and we heard from many different people with a lot of great information, comments, and questions,” said Gaiga. “I think a lot of people came here with open minds, and because of the great presentations, it seems like people have really made up their minds against the proposal now,” she said. “I’m glad that City Council was here, and gained a really good understanding of what people think of this project.”

Photo: B-Train transport truck