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Open House and Question & Answer session
Bella Coola Public Meeting at Bella Coola Valley Inn.
1900 hours September 7, 1999
No Cents Rezoning for Water Bottling, Quarry, and Port
Tom Roux, Kerry Leong
Dick Robinson, Roy van Ryswyck, Geologist
Steve Dimond, minute taker
Approx. 50 attendees by 1900 hrs at the time of opening.
Tom Roux introduced meeting. Asked attendees to read
the handout sheet which
Provided the back ground to the project.
Tom Roux went through the information which was
placed on the walls.
Asked people to have a look at the information posted on the
walls. Indicated that meeting would be reconvened in 15 minutes
after people familiarized themselves with the pictures, plans
and information.
Additional people show up approx. 80 by 7:30. Estimate up
to 100 through the evening.
Meeting reconvened at 7:35
Kerry Leong reintroduces and opens up for questions.
Ask that people identify themselves with the question and requested
that guest book be signed.
Questions and Answers (in brief)
Penny Fegan (sp), who lives in Valley, asked Tom
Roux "would he guarantee to comply with environmental
standards". If No Cents would consent to public monitoring
. And if monitoring was available and would project stop if problems
arose.
Tom Roux responded. That standards are set at the provincial
government level and there are a number of requirements. Monitoring
will occur and careful scrutiny will result. In terms of the
Estuary anticipate very little impact due to the distance and
anticipate that monitoring will occur. Company MUST comply with
ministry standards fully. Studies indicate there will not be
a significant impact on the surrounding area.
Breyer Manuel (sp) Q. Newspaper indicated 1M
tonnes per year. Permit says 250,000 tonnes per year. Since 1M
tonnes is projected will the Environmental Assessment Act govern?
Kerry Leong . Yes. Project will go before the Environmental
Assessment Office in Victoria. Not sure of exact policy and the
process for the environmental assessment but will be contacting
the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Question perhaps should be
directed to Env. Assess. Office. Kerry Leong confirmed
Anna Fryer. Lives in Bella Coola "Are you
aware that there is baby coho in the Waterfall. Have you checked
the fisheries?" Tom Roux noted that the take
is 2% of annual flow. When the stream goes dry, the fish will
perish. But in terms of the stream being a spawning stream, it
was not indicated as such by Fisheries or Environment Ministries.
Question related to the stream and would the path be altered
if there is quarrying above.
Tom Roux spoke to the subject not anticipated to
move the stream. There will be access from behind the quarry
for wildlife to pass. Anna has concern that water may
be lost. The report indicates that the stream must be flowing
a minimum amount in order to bottle.
Do you have a water licence. No
Will you float the company on the stock exchange. Not addressed
at this time.
Question on the cost of the project.
$15 to 20 Million. Construction jobs. Full time jobs.
In the companies best interest to hire locally. Training would
be available. Costs to bring in people with hotels, etc is expensive.
What is the positive effect for the community.
What is the unemployment rate in the valley? 85% Dissension against
speaker
Reinhard Maag. in valley for 12 years. Read the info
in the paper. Would be grateful if the project timing could be
expanded upon.
The project duration would be 10 years plus. Need a certain
tonnage to capitalize the works. Hopefully beyond that. 1 ship
every 3.5 weeks. Not tremendously utilized infrastructure based
on 3-4 days in port. Other ventures welcome.
What is the demand for gravel products?
Kerry Leong remarked that the target market in Central
California with marine access is economical for this project.
This project will be the first marine pit with capability to
load panamax ships in BC. Other marine pits within the Straight
of Georgia primarily serve Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria
with barges. Markets of further distances are more suited to
large sea going vessels such as this proposal.
Jessie from Nuxalk Nation.
Has statements. Grandmother indicates the name of the mountain
is
Noahs Ark (sp?) Whole mountain has history. Nuxalk people have
never signed treaties. This is unseeded territory. "Outraged.
You have not right to do what you are doing." Tom
Roux thanked him for speaking. Letter from hereditary
Chief provided to Tom. With this process, you are consulting
the people.
Graham Wells. What is the status of the land for zoning.
Currently zoned R1. Tom Roux Pointed out the legal
map and noted that Clayton Falls is within industrial zoning.
Balance is R 1. Application has been made on the properties
to rezone to Industrial 1. Allows bottling, storage, and crushing.
Penny Fegan. Question on process.
Tom Roux indicated that the Regional District requested
No Cents conduct a public information meeting. Penny Fegan
is happy that they are allowing public monitoring.
Archie Pootlass, elected chief of Nuxalk Nation asked
for clarification on public process. Tom Roux indicated
the project did not receive the support of the Nuxalk Nation council.
Archie Pootlass said the information was limited in terms
of the project.
Tom Roux suggested that the benefits are obvious.
Money from the jobs created will help the community.
Archie Pootlass says 85% unemployment rate in Nuxalk
Nation. That is the reason that Archie would like to see the
proforma so they may determine the impacts. Tom Roux
indicated that there will be no discrimination in workers. Archie
stated that the Nuxalk need a stronger commitment for direct benefits.
"I need to see some guarantee".
Tom Roux said that local employment will be a
primary concern.
Archie Pootlass asked further about water supplies.
Dick Robinson noted that On crown land there is
a requirement, but not on fee simple. Archie wanted to know that
the community will experience economic benefits and that the community
be involved in the planning of the project.
Janet Wainborn.(sp?) Independent biologist. Most people
in the valley receive something from the fisheries industry.
Initial foreshore assessment may have shown herring will be affected.
Also noted that the report suggested that a site around the corner
would be better?
Tom Roux indicated there is a no net loss policy
for fisheries. He talked about the original proposed structure
which has been changed to what is present today, thereby reducing
environmental impact and creating marine habitat. Janet asked
to be referred to study regarding habitat and 750 feet ships.
The report had some recommendations that may deal with some
of the questions. Janet Wainborn asked how mitigation of
impacts of large vessels will be done? How can the company choose
work windows to address the mitigation of problems with fisheries?
Kerry Leong noted that an application is reviewed with
the Navigable Waters Protection Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. N-22). The
Coast Guard must be consulted as does the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans and the Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks.
Preferred fisheries windows will be identified at that time.
"Fair to say that we are looking for a general feel for
the project in the valley. Hoping to address the complaints."
Terry Corbould (sp) indicated that this was a public
information meeting. All questions will be asked by ministries
on the various issues.
Teacher, Susan O'Neil. 22 year resident. Has concerns
for fish. Hiring practices what kind of employment and expertise
will be created. What kind of expertise. Equipment Operators?
Shipping people to run equipment? All conveyor or a lot of trucking?
Kerry Leong noted that 15 owner operators required. Processing
equipment is computerized. Would expect that there will be a
requirement to train.
Trucking ? on the road ?
Kevin Oneil. How many trucks are going to haul crushed
rock per day ?
Kerry Leong . Initially some development work. Then, need
2000 metric tonnes per hour. Every 3 weeks need 4 days, 24 hours
per day. Like to think that there are trucks in the valley to
support this. Kevin Oneil has concerns with the traffic
on the road. There have been trucks loaded along the road for
a long time.
Pat Manedy (sp) Had a list of questions. "There
hasn't been any consultation. Clear that there has not been
any environmental assessment reports." No specific question.
Concern about environment.
Keith Corbould. "There are no guarantees in life.
This community needs a few paycheks. This development can be
done and done properly. Will be watched closely. 150 jobs is
a big factor for those who invest in the valley with more than
their mouths welcome."
Gentleman : What are the plans for rehabilitation for the mine
?
Granite slides across the valley what is the difference ?
Tom Roux must reclaim the land. Start at the
top of the quarry and work down to minimize visual impact. Viewing
problems will be minimized by revegetation. The best tree species
would be used in the reclamation project.
Roy van Ryswyck: First .Quarrying granite rock, not
mineral rock as in Sudbury or other base metal mines. Therefor
reclamation is easier. There is no effluent in this mining process.
In essence, design a slope that is more stable for the land in
the reclamation process. As the slope comes down, there are
other options for the lower portion of the quarry. Why this location
? Other benefits include potential parking for the ferry. Parking
for the port facility and marina. There are other benefits from
the end run complete quarry.
Archie Pootlass noted the letter received earlier from
a Nuxalk member was from an individual and was not from the band
in any official matter. There are a couple of monuments. Memorial
monuments in the location. Position of the chief and council
is that "Nothing will be built there". Won't tolerate
industry which does not consult and help the bands.
Reinhard (sp?). Understands the difference between crown
and fee simple. Suggested that important to work with the band.
There are archaeologists in the valley which may assist in summarizing
the existing situation in the valley. Need to take home the idea
that there is historical and spiritual value to the area. One
can merge interests hopefully. The meeting appears to be fairly
indicative of the valley.
Vas (sp?). 40 year resident. Where will royalties be
paid. Need a community centre.
Tom Province sets and collects water rates.
One concern. Noise. Can a test be done to show what the noise
will be.
Ron Durickson (sp ?) Jake break, 3am etc .. has concern.
Roy Van Ryswyck spoke to db levels and noise testing and
reduction. You can hear below 25db, so you will be able to hear
something. Very few parts of the community have no trees which
will baffle the sound. Boat in the sound will be the place where
noise will be greatest. Echo from the blast will come from mountain
across valley.
Andrew Lexan (sp) newcomer to the valley. Question
on wages what could people anticipate. Kerry Leong Quarry
and production wages about $20 per hour. Try to keep jobs as
full time as possible. Possible 2 month shut down due to weather
conditions.
Anticipate a 10 month work season. Anticipate 5 days per week.
Andrew how much is the investment. Port facility excl. processing
= $15 to $20 M.
Greg Higgs 4 years locally. Hypothetically, if opposition
and Nuxalk band opposition, elected council is opposed.would you
proceed. Tom Roux cant answer that philosophical questions
Which is more important ? Water or quarry ? Water is renewable.
Blasting is destroying the site. Kerry Leong . Both components
are important. Other boats would be able to use the facility.
Kerry Leong noted there is a human side to the environment.
Humans have needs. Some commonality and compromise is necessary.
Woman asked again for answer to Greg Higgs question.
Tom Roux again indicated that he could not address
native issues.
District director, Graham Wells When the decision is
made in the future, it is the responsibility of the 5 directors
under the governance of the municipal act.
Choice of going straight to public hearing formal. Process. Or
request that the proponent hold a public information meeting.
Public Hearing will be held on this project. Notices in 2 issues
of paper will be required. Approx. 60 days of overall notice
will be required.
Wayne (sp?). Manufactures herbal wines. Suggested district
was using the governance structure of a municipality . Regional
district uses the municipal act.. confusion with member of audience
and type of governance.
Don Graham . Person reads from report regarding the
water licence states that First nation claims need to handled.
Water Licence .. currently sits with Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
Nuxalk deals Federally and Provincially. Concern regarding the
watershed and the quarry.
Greg Higgs . Ballast water. Pollution is a problem from
discharge of ballast water. Local paper . Little information
on the estuary. Really know nothing about the estuary.
Kerry Leong .. The estuary was a log sort and booming area
in the past and has since evolved to what exists today.
Gypsy moth was a problem in Vancouver.
Don Graham speaks at length "laws don't cover what
is in peoples dreams"
Question what is the difference between this and a crusher
that was in valley last week? Same.
Roy Van Ryswyck: under obligation that the projects
are developed in a sustainable way. APEGBC looks for best and
sustainable manner. Resources in the valley include environmental
monitoring people.
Shawn. Here for several years. Question regarding
how far along is the process ?
Tom Water licence recommended and is sitting in Victoria.
Quarry licence is for 250,000 tonnes and exists now. Zoning
on part of the site. Current zoning does not allow the port storage
facility or crushing on DL 3. Need approvals from Coast Guard,
Federal Fisheries, and provincial government for a foreshore lease.
Is the company concerned about the fish.
Extended discussion on deep sea ships.
Meeting closed at 10:10 p.m.
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