Seventy-five per cent of those surveyed by the Alberni Environmental Coalition oppose a coal port in Alberni because of environmental and health concerns, AEC official Gary Swann said.

The AEC released its findings at city council’s Monday meeting.

According to Swann, there were 579 people and 52 Port Alberni businesses that were surveyed.

Of the residents surveyed, 11 per cent favoured the project, citing jobs as the reason. And 12 per cent were undecided, saying that the needed more information.

Among the businesses, 70 per cent opposed the project because of adverse environmental and economic impacts.

The number of businesses that both support the project and were undecided about it were split at an even 15 per cent each.

In response to a question from Coun. Jack McLeman about where he thought a coal port should be located, Swann said further down the canal by the sawmill site would be ideal.

AEC volunteers canvassed door-to-door and asked respondents three questions: do you know about Raven Coal’s proposal for a coal storage and loading dock near Harbour Quay; do you support construction of a coal port in Port Alberni; and what is your strongest reason.