To the Editor,
Here are some questions that all citizens in Port Alberni, and all the other communities that will be affected by the proposed Raven Coal project, deserve answers to by all candidates running in the upcoming municipal elections. This is a challenge to all of them to respond:
1. Tell me everything you know about potential environmental effects of the proposed Raven Coal mine—from the mine source to the end use of burning the coal. No speculation, please; just what do you actually know?
2. What do you think would be needed to make the rail grade safe for coal trains and how much would it cost?
3. What would be the likely socioeconomic (including health) effects of a coal harbour in Port Alberni? How many jobs would it create for local residents?
4. What are the human health effects of mining, transporting, and burning coal?
Maggie Paquet,
Port Alberni