To the Editor,
Remember those old outdated images of a black coal fired London? Well China is in the same sorry state these days, and B.C. is considering increasing that polluting energy source.
Two huge coal transportation projects are now being considered by the Port of Vancouver. The first would import the dirtiest fuel, coal, from the U.S. through Tsawwassen to Texada Island, increasing marine traffic 20 times more than is current. The second, which would transport coal from the Fraser/Surrey docks at the Fraser River has just undergone a very brief environmental assessment.
The assessment only covers land areas, not the Salish Sea and all the people and other species that will be impacted by coal particulates and coal dust blowing and polluting the ocean. This environmental assessment does not address polluting this important bird area and migration route for sea lions, and multiple birds and fish that will be impacted. There is no mitigation for the increased carbon in the air and increased global threats from climate change. It does not address the human health issues brought to your attention by the various health authorities.
It’s time to stop being blind to the impacts of our decisions. Do not increase the world’s dirtiest and most polluting energy source for the benefit of any person’s personal wealth. It is our children’s and other species’ very survival at stake now.
Sheila HarringtonLasqueti Island