The public is invited to obtain information about and comment on the draft Application Information Requirements which will specify the studies to be conducted and the detailed information to be provided in the application for an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed project. Open houses will be held in Elkford and Sparwood BC. A 30 day public comment period on the draft Application Information Requirements will start on March 16, 2010 and end at midnight April 14, 2010. All comments received during this comment period in relation to the Application Information Requirements will be considered.
Details on this Environmental Assessment project area here - http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/epic/html/deploy/epic_project_home_352.html
RECCOMENDED COMMENTS TO MAKE:
More analysis of potential increased release of Selenium is needed before new mining should proceed. The impact of increased levels of selenium in the Elk River watershed from existing operations must be more fully understood prior to environmental certificates being awarded to any new mining operations.
More emphasis should be placed on evaluating the cumulative effects that these proposed mines will add to the watershed in the context of the ongoing impact from all of Teck's existing operations and taking into account other proposed and planned forestry, mining and oil and gas extraction and exploration activities in the Elk River watershed. This study should be co-sponsored by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
In Section B2.8 wildlife connectivity impacts MUST be assessed. Special considerations must be made for listed (SARA and COSEWIC) species, especially Canadian Lynx and Grizzly Bear as well as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
This project should be required to undergo a complete full panel review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The public comment form is here - http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca/feedback/LineCreekOperations.html
