The Province
Letter by Alan Fryer, Coal Alliance
November 20, 2013
The completion of an environmental-impact assessment by Fraser Surrey Docks demonstrates the commitment of our industry to safe and sustainable operations.
SNC-Lavalin, the firm that carried out the assessment, concluded that “no significant adverse effects on air quality are likely to occur as a result of this project.” Most importantly, one of the most experienced and respected experts in this field, Dr. Len Ritter, stated that the project poses no risk of adverse health effects in neighbouring communities.
These are significant findings that confirm that dust-control measures employed throughout our industry are working. We have been safely and responsibly handling and shipping coal for more than four decades with no evidence whatsoever of adverse health effects in our communities or indeed among the men and women who work in proximity to coal every day.
As we look to the future, let’s not forget that air quality in our region has improved steadily year after year even as capacity at our terminals has increased to the benefit of all British Columbians. The record of our industry and Metro Vancouver’s air quality speaks for itself.
Alan Fryer
Coal Alliance
View the original letter in The Province
