Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing-related Issues & News => Topic started by: Rodney on April 30, 2010, 12:54:49 AM
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If you enjoy fishing the Chilliwack River, this may interest you. Those who fish it regularly know how siltation can affect the fishing, so please read on.
There is a proposal out (in progress) with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to have a largish (25 hectares/50 football fields) gravel mine in the location of Larson's Bench. This proposal may threaten the viability of the recreation fishery in the Chilliwack River.
The Fraser Valley Regional District has opposed this, for many reasons, such as it is near Pierce Creek ponds - an important salmon spawning area. It is also in close (less than 1km) to Chipmunk Creek Caves and the Chilliwack River. Other likely environmental impacts include silt, run-off, 10 acres to be logged). Unfortunately, the FVRD's opposition may not be enough to stop it. Residents, businesses, clubs and others who may be impacted could also have an effect on the outcome.
There will be siginificant impacts on local residents and businesses with gravel trucks on the road if this proposal goes through. It is estimated that 47 round trips per day would be made by gravel trucks between Monday and Saturday.
There is a website for more information and a link where you can sign an online petition:
http://www.stopthegravelpit.com
http://www.gopetition.com/online/35764.html
A petition is also at On The Way store and Pointa Vista Cafe, both on the Chilliwack Lake Rd.
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So the Chilliwack/Vedder may soon become another Coquitlam?
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I guess what is so surprising and disappointing about this is that this proposal had been launched more than a few years ago. I have just briefly read some of the attached literature but it seems details of this proposal were known in 2009 and memos that are date stamped from the FVRD are date stamped Jan 2010. Why was this withheld from the public. Seems like someone had a hidden agenda to see how far they could push this proposal through before it came to light. For instance, if this had been made available duing the Chilliwack/Vedder River Clean Up Day wouldn't this have been a perfect time to inform the public what is happening and to get the petition rolling. Also I read that there are three endangered species put at risk by this development. Our evironmental laws are embarassingly weak when endangered species are going to be put at risk, and they are treated as an afterthought. Even if you don't fish or use the river for some form of recreation, the beating the Chilliwack River Road is going to take will be incredible. If dump trucks start going up that road it is going to become one pot holed, rutted roadway. Also I imagine the roads in Chilliwack/Sardis will also be affected as these dump trucks have to some how get to the main highway . Hard to believe the proposal has gotten this far, but hopefully if enough people say "No" to it the gravel pit it will be stopped.
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This open "Pit" could have a huge impact on water quality at the Chilliwack Hatchery. Not sure what DFO's position on the pit is ?
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I would like to believe a strong, unified defiance could stop this potential environmental mistake, and thanks to a few dedicated people, this defiance is beginning. Let's all send emails to the people that matter and at the very least, sign the petition.
Buck; I too would love to hear someone with/without balls in DFO/MOE speak to this propoal. Yeah, I'm dreaming again ....
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I would like to believe a strong, unified defiance could stop this potential environmental mistake, and thanks to a few dedicated people, this defiance is beginning. Let's all send emails to the people that matter and at the very least, sign the petition.
Buck; I too would love to hear someone with/without balls in DFO/MOE speak to this propoal. Yeah, I'm dreaming again ....
The trouble it its the higher ups in FOC that are the problem, not the front line guys and gals.
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http://www.theprovince.com/news/Opposition+growing+proposed+gravel/3011586/story.html
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Reading the following article suggests that the gravel pit is almost a kilometer from the river. Why would that cause the same type of problems they have seen in the Coquitlam river?
"Ministry spokesperson Jake Jacobs said, if approved, a buffer of second-growth forest “will be maintained between the road and gravel pit” and the site is about 0.8 km at the closest point to the Chilliwack River."
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/93418174.html (http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/93418174.html)
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Reading the following article suggests that the gravel pit is almost a kilometer from the river. Why would that cause the same type of problems they have seen in the Coquitlam river?
"Ministry spokesperson Jake Jacobs said, if approved, a buffer of second-growth forest “will be maintained between the road and gravel pit” and the site is about 0.8 km at the closest point to the Chilliwack River."
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/93418174.html (http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/93418174.html)
Now I'm confused - will it be on the river or not?
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The gravel mine proposal is the prime focus on CBC radio's Early Edition tomorrow at 7:10am Glen will be on the show representing Friends of the Chilliwack River Valley followed by the minister of energy mines and petroleum.
Thanks to all those who have signed our online petition www.StopTheGravelPit.com and answered the poll in the newspaper http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/
our community is united against gravel.
Glen Friends of the Chilliwack River Valley
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Reading the following article suggests that the gravel pit is almost a kilometer from the river. Why would that cause the same type of problems they have seen in the Coquitlam river?
Guess which way water flows. Downhill. Also, if it is anything like the Coquitlam gravel mines (of which I am quite familiar), there will be settlement ponds, which are supposed to be used as a buffer to allow silt to settle before rain water run-off flows into the river. The problem is it is silt, and is too fine to actually settle and therefore just flows into the river whenever released (it rains).
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The radio interview here.
http://fraser-valley-web-design.com/cbc_radio_gravel_pit.mp3
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??? I have not made my mind on this as of yet for several reasons . The hype of those for anti`s contain such words such as "Leaking , Oiling and Bubbling " ( this is not the Gulf of Mexico) tend to turn off some . Another states that the Pit is in the vicinity or to a Km of larsons Bench , Ive heard that several Creeks run thru this area but other statements state one and is is dry most of the time . The word "Could " Displays a may or may not event . The Three endangered species posted are What . Lastly the picture of a Pot Holed Rutted Road (Chwk Rr Road) is rather colourful .
The main question I have is there not a law requiring an "Environment Impact Study" be conducted prior to all projets ????
The PUBLIC deserves factual information which an "Environmental Impact Study' would provide .
Cheers
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http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/Gravel+petition+inks+names/3040287/story.html
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http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/travel/Surely+minister+some+power/3013006/story.html
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Does anyone actually care about the facts?? The area is WELL away from the river and is on 100% dry land(with no creeks anywhere on it). It seems more popular to slag someone(or thier attempt to make a living) out of emotion and bunk "information" than aproach the source and ask them about it.. the person who applied for the permit yas yet ONCE to be contacted by any of the clowns that are starting petitions or fighting the application.
Interesting how little people do to find both sides of a story, yet support the one they "think" should be right.
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Clowns?? People who care about the CRV are clowns?? Think you lost a few readers and some credibility there.
johnny, most certainly people care about the facts. It's because there is so much misinformation about this project people are signing the petition, hoping it will trigger what should happen - a full environmental impact study.
Perhaps you are correct and this will have a minimal impact, but I doubt it.
That the Chilliwack River valley is a jewel in the Lower Mainland is well documented. Unfortunately, it seems to be slowly dying a "death of a thousand cuts".
This proposed gravel mine, if approved, is another of those cuts.
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??? I have not made my mind on this as of yet for several reasons . The hype of those for anti`s contain such words such as "Leaking , Oiling and Bubbling " ( this is not the Gulf of Mexico) tend to turn off some . Another states that the Pit is in the vicinity or to a Km of larsons Bench , Ive heard that several Creeks run thru this area but other statements state one and is is dry most of the time . The word "Could " Displays a may or may not event . The Three endangered species posted are What . Lastly the picture of a Pot Holed Rutted Road (Chwk Rr Road) is rather colourful .
The main question I have is there not a law requiring an "Environment Impact Study" be conducted prior to all projets ????
The PUBLIC deserves factual information which an "Environmental Impact Study' would provide .
Cheers
The last few years dealing with the gravel excavation projects on the Fraser River we have found in many cases all the proper environmental impact studies were not done. Also in some cases if ministry staff disagree with a project the government whats to go ahead they will be replaced or shuffled off, we have seen that happen. Also the province wants to combine the assessment process of the province and federal governments into one approval agency so the environment will suffer further. Also in the Ministry of Environment they have faced severe cutbacks in funding and staff that make enforcing environmental standards difficult.
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greybark consider reading this as it sort of backs up what I said above.
Note this paragraph in the story.
Penner and Krueger have 45 days in which to make a decision on whether or not to allow the project to proceed — and it appears that the B.C. Liberal government’s verdict on the project will come down to politics, not science.
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/regulators+give+failing+grade+proposed+resort/3047267/story.html
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Clowns?? People who care about the CRV are clowns?? Think you lost a few readers and some credibility there.
johnny, most certainly people care about the facts. It's because there is so much misinformation about this project people are signing the petition, hoping it will trigger what should happen - a full environmental impact study.
Perhaps you are correct and this will have a minimal impact, but I doubt it.
That the Chilliwack River valley is a jewel in the Lower Mainland is well documented. Unfortunately, it seems to be slowly dying a "death of a thousand cuts".
This proposed gravel mine, if approved, is another of those cuts.
I am not refering those who signed the petition as clowns. The ironic thing is that the family has been in the CRV for generations.. hardly would want to bring harm to the area. It just seems like a lot of fear based politicing from those who oppose it without attempting to look at both sides.
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From Glen:
4 police cars visit Speakers Corner
The tamahi 3, Orion, Joe and Glen were released after a speaking with police at Speakers Corner beside the Tamahi bridge. Joe 86 and Glen 46 both of Chilliwack are shown in a photo with police online in a news story at TheValleyVoice ca. 3 Chiliwack RCMP cars and an unmarked suv dog team arrived at the scene after FVRD Director Dave Lamson and retired RCMP officer Tom Carscadden 84 exchanged words with the 'Host' of the nearby campground. The campground employee said the small crowd of 20 we're not allowed by forestry to sign a petition and film residents comments about a proposed gravel pit. Mr Lamson said the residents have a right to speak in a public place and do not need a permit to do so. The responding police officers looked embarassed when asked if they had called in for back up. There were only 3 of us still there when 4 cars arrived. The police told us privately they did not want to see a gravel mine go in this area and that we have a right to gather and speak in public places. The Valley Voice .ca will be doing a second story on the event tomorrow. StopTheGravelPit .com will have footage of residents comments that were recorded during the event soon
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A couple of videos on this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pRsspIUFBM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-kp3RHZIQ
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greybark consider reading this as it sort of backs up what I said above.
Note this paragraph in the story.
Penner and Krueger have 45 days in which to make a decision on whether or not to allow the project to proceed — and it appears that the B.C. Liberal government’s verdict on the project will come down to politics, not science.
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/regulators+give+failing+grade+proposed+resort/3047267/story.html
Hey Chris , I did not doubt anything you said . Thanks for for the suggested read as it FINELY provides some substantial info and timeline The EAO report may be in a draft form and may or not be binding . If so those against this project would be best served by having their Petition with Facts concerning geography and social concerns somehow submitted as part of the EAO draft report , I suspect this may be too late but one never knows .
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From my perspective the most revealing video is the second you tube video which shows the location and its proximity to some of the aquifers in question. What is disturbing is that they have already clearcut sections for the proposed gravel pit . Seems like someone is pretty confident that it will be going through. But if the gravel pit sits at the headwaters of the aquifer and the river it seems pretty obvious that any silt and runoff from the site will contaminate the aquifer and the water of the river. I may not be a geologist or environmental expert but from my layman's eyes I can see why people are against this development. Hopefully a full fledged study can be done on this project before it is pushed through. And if it has to be stopped it should be. If the landowner feels he is being unjustly treated because it has been stopped then the government should buy back the land at fair market value and compensate him accordingly. Too many people see dollar bills on so called projects before thinking them through properly; such as what it a major contamination would do to the communities who rely on their drinking water from these aquifers. Anyhow it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the coming months.
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Dennyman, good post.
When this issue first surfaced I thought common sense would prevail and the plan, if not totally squashed, would at least be put on hold until such time as a full and complete environmental assessment was done. Now unfortunately, I’m not so confident this will happen.
The good news is David Lamson, FVRD Electoral District E, has forwarded this latest aquifer information to about everyone who can have input on this decision.
Let’s hope they understand the importance and potential consequences and call for a full environmental review. I applaud David for this; it’s not often you see politicians as resolute and committed.
Question: where is our Environment Minister, Barry Penner on this? Not his department I know, but this is his backyard. C’mon Barry say something …
Kudos to all the people out there busting their my friend’s over this; you know who you are.
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Dennyman, good post.
When this issue first surfaced I thought common sense would prevail and the plan, if not totally squashed, would at least be put on hold until such time as a full and complete environmental assessment was done. Now unfortunately, I’m not so confident this will happen.
The good news is David Lamson, FVRD Electoral District E, has forwarded this latest aquifer information to about everyone who can have input on this decision.
Let’s hope they understand the importance and potential consequences and call for a full environmental review. I applaud David for this; it’s not often you see politicians as resolute and committed.
Question: where is our Environment Minister, Barry Penner on this? Not his department I know, but this is his backyard. C’mon Barry say something …
Kudos to all the people out there busting their ***’s over this; you know who you are.
My answer to David and all the people he sent the video links too including Penner and other politicians.
Thanks David for this, I have posted the video links on our fishing web site fishingwithrod.com where they should get some more exposure. We also have been posting more information as it comes in about this terrible idea of a gavel mine in this precious part of the Chilliwack River Valley that you and so many others have been working so hard to protect over the last number of years. Gravel, as you know has been taken out of the Vedder River and the Fraser River the last few years which is a concern to many of us as well, due to the damage we feel it is doing to fish and sturgeon habitat. We saw what happened in 2006 on Big Bar on the Fraser River when millions of pink alviens were killed due to an access road to the gravel mining site being constructed across a spawning channel which dewatered the redds of the pinks and chum salmon..I never understood why charges were not laid in this case.
Of course those that are pushing these projects say it is for flood protection when studies, especially on the Fraser River say it helps very little if at all. I and many others feel it is more about the thirst for gravel and this proposal in Area "E" of the FVRD reinforces this when you see this gravel mine being considered in a very sensitive area of the Valley. Then there would be the gravel truck traffic traveling on a very winding and narrow roadway not to mention the damage that will occur to the roadbed's paved surface. The City of Chilliwack saw the damage this year on Camp River Road as hundred's of trucks taking loads of gravel off Gill Bar traveled the road for a few weeks this spring. I have asked for what the total cost was but I have not received an answer yet but I saw in the paper the contractor does cover the costs incurred for the road repairs so the taxpayer does not pick up the costs. Public safety because of the increased truck traffic also has to be a major concern to the residents you represent as the FVRD director of this area.
Many of us are concerned about the lack of environmental assessments being done on projects like this proposal, as well as the lack of public input and it appears a lot of projects are just rubber stamped. Some of this may be caused due to cutback of staffing levels and lack of funds in the environment ministries, both Federally and Provincially.
I am so glad there is people like the Friends of the Chilliwack River Valley and their partners CRV Ratepayers and ecoLogic BC who care so passionately about protecting this jewel of an area and are doing every thing they can to accomplish this, one can hope all our levels of government will do so as well.
Kindest regards,
Chris
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As for the police action at Tamahi.The overkill reaction by the police is regretable in the least.At the worst it smacks of something that you hear about in the third world or a totalitarian regime.Freedom of speech is rapidly becoming a luxury afforded to certain politicians and their friends.
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A letter to the editor relates concerns.
Gravel mine prompts long-term traffic concerns
Are you concerned about the truck traffic that would be generated by the proposed gravel pit on Chilliwack Lake Road? Imagine 90 trucks per day, Monday to Saturday, all proceeding along Vedder Road for the next 40 years (the anticipated life of the mine). The three-way stop at the Vedder Bridge can be a nightmare at the present time with the logging trucks, industrial and recreational vehicles and residential traffic. Peak periods necessitate a flag person at this intersection. The trucks are committed to a right hand turn, as it is physically impossible for them to turn left on to the Vedder Bridge. Even the Cultus school bus is unable to make this manoeuvre.
Then where? Has any thought been given to the truck pattern following this turn?
1. Past the entrance to the Rotary Trail parking lot and the soon to be opened Petawawa Road off the old army base? The access from these on to the Vedder Road will be very difficult.
2. West along Keith Wilson Road, where Unsworth School’s Parent Advisory Committee has already been denied a traffic light at the intersection with Unsworth Road? The PAC is concerned about the elementary school children walking along and crossing this busy highway.
3. North through Sardis to reach the Freeway via the already crowded Vedder Road, with its numerous traffic lights and turning lanes?
4. East along Promontory past Vedder Elementary School, the shopping plaza and the Bailey Landfill to Prest Road.
Has a transport study been considered by the City of Chilliwack? Ninety trips daily would have an enormous impact on Chilliwack’s roads. Should we allow this to happen, or should the application for the gravel pit be stopped, before chaos reigns on our streets?
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A letter to the editor relates concerns.
Gravel mine prompts long-term traffic concerns
Are you concerned about the truck traffic that would be generated by the proposed gravel pit on Chilliwack Lake Road? Imagine 90 trucks per day, Monday to Saturday, all proceeding along Vedder Road for the next 40 years (the anticipated life of the mine). The three-way stop at the Vedder Bridge can be a nightmare at the present time with the logging trucks, industrial and recreational vehicles and residential traffic. Peak periods necessitate a flag person at this intersection. The trucks are committed to a right hand turn, as it is physically impossible for them to turn left on to the Vedder Bridge. Even the Cultus school bus is unable to make this manoeuvre.
Then where? Has any thought been given to the truck pattern following this turn?
1. Past the entrance to the Rotary Trail parking lot and the soon to be opened Petawawa Road off the old army base? The access from these on to the Vedder Road will be very difficult.
2. West along Keith Wilson Road, where Unsworth School’s Parent Advisory Committee has already been denied a traffic light at the intersection with Unsworth Road? The PAC is concerned about the elementary school children walking along and crossing this busy highway.
3. North through Sardis to reach the Freeway via the already crowded Vedder Road, with its numerous traffic lights and turning lanes?
4. East along Promontory past Vedder Elementary School, the shopping plaza and the Bailey Landfill to Prest Road.
Has a transport study been considered by the City of Chilliwack? Ninety trips daily would have an enormous impact on Chilliwack’s roads. Should we allow this to happen, or should the application for the gravel pit be stopped, before chaos reigns on our streets?
The question in my mind is: "If they can't get gravel from the Chilliwack Lake Road location, where should they get it?" From the Fraser?, the Vedder?, from another jurisdiction??
My father taught me if I object to something then I better have an alternative solution.... and if I don't have a solution then I'd best not complain until I can come up with a solution...... So what's the alternative?
Without gravel they can't build roads, buildings etc. That's not realistic. I oppose this if it will have a harmful effect on the environment but opposing it on any other basis is simply a "not if it's in my backyard" argument.
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The question in my mind is: "If they can't get gravel from the Chilliwack Lake Road location, where should they get it?" From the Fraser?, the Vedder?, from another jurisdiction??
My father taught me if I object to something then I better have an alternative solution.... and if I don't have a solution then I'd best not complain until I can come up with a solution...... So what's the alternative?
Without gravel they can't build roads, buildings etc. That's not realistic. I oppose this if it will have a harmful effect on the environment but opposing it on any other basis is simply a "not if it's in my backyard" argument.
Go back to debating the HST. ;D ;D
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Go back to debating the HST. ;D ;D
The HST is a done deal Chris..... Looks like the gravel debate is where I'm needed now! :D ;D
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The HST is a done deal Chris..... Looks like the gravel debate is where I'm needed now! :D ;D
Correction, the Liberals are done.
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I would have to agree,the Liberals have really under estimated the outrage against another tax. This will cost them huge!
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From Friday's Chilliwack Progress
http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/theprogress/news/95557099.html
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The question in my mind is: "If they can't get gravel from the Chilliwack Lake Road location, where should they get it?" From the Fraser?, the Vedder?, from another jurisdiction??
My father taught me if I object to something then I better have an alternative solution.... and if I don't have a solution then I'd best not complain until I can come up with a solution...... So what's the alternative?
Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Langley, Surrey, Mission, Maple Ridge , Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Sechelt. Oh ya Chilliwack I think that pretty well covers them all.
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Abbotsford, Aldergrove,Langley,Surrey, Mission, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Sechelt. Oh ya Chilliwack I think that pretty well covers them all.
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Some correspondence received today.
Chris
Folks - Please circulate widely and quickly. See www.StopTheGravelPit.com
One of the pieces of the Gateway Program that was never included in the environmental assessment process was the seemingly inexhaustible need for gravel (prefill) that these many miles of highway building would require. The province has already approved destruction of hundreds of acres of prime agricultural farmland in the Fraser Valley (there are no examples where farmland has been restored to equal condition following gravel extraction in BC), they are raping some of our most productive salmon spawning riverbeds, and threatening our aquifers even as climate change positions the world on the brink of massive global freshwater shortages --- all to support highway construction that is unsustainable from any perspective.
Please forward this appeal - in addition to the Minister of Environment, opposition emails should be sent to the Agricultural Land Commission: to South Coast Panel c/o tony.pellett@gov.bc.ca and the Minister of Agriculture - steve.thomson.mla@leg.bc.ca
We are encouraging everyone to write letters to the editor in local papers, we're ramping up viral marketing of videos and working on more themes to deliver to the growing audience of people opposed to further industrializing this beautiful river valley.
Any assistance or insight you can provide would be sincerely appreciated!
Thank you in advance,
Orion
Chilliwack River Valley resident 30 years.
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--- all to support highway construction that is unsustainable from any perspective.
That single statement struck me as extremely funny...... in a sad sort of way ???
Is he proposing that we stop building highways, letting the existing highways crumble back to gravel road status? Is he living on some little island where good roads don't matter?
Of course if we let that happen..... the government could probably lower the HST! ;D ;D
P.S. Chris can you correct the link in your post? Thanks
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That single statement struck me as extremely funny...... in a sad sort of way ???
Is he proposing that we stop building highways, letting the existing highways crumble back to gravel road status? Is he living on some little island where good roads don't matter?
Of course if we let that happen..... the government could probably lower the HST! ;D ;D
P.S. Chris can you correct the link in your post? Thanks
Thanks, should work now.
www.StopTheGravelPit.com
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Forum members, please consider writing a letter to these politicans as well even thought I know it gets to a pain as we are face dwith so many environmental issues. Susan and others are doing great work on our behalf. Going to look at this site this evening.
Thanks,
Chris
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
*PROTECT the CRV SALMON HATCHERY*
Chilliwack, BC, June 23, 2010,
*An open letter to the Ministers, and the Community*
Honorable Chuck Strahl and DFO Minister Gail Shea
Re: Southview Sorting Ltd. Gravel Mine Proposal
at Larson's Bench Chilliwack River Valley
Dear Mr. Strahl and Ms. Shea:
We are writing to ask you for your immediate support in a matter of grave concern to the multi-million dollar, salmon producing, Chilliwack River Valley Hatchery.
There is a 40 year gravel mine proposal now before the BC Ministry of Mines, that would be located *directly upstream of the Chilliwack Salmon Hatchery. *The Upper Chilliwack River aquifer is also located around and above the hatchery in the area of the mine site, and this aquifer flows directly into the hatchery's artesian wells.
A recent report by the City of Chilliwack has identified there will be a risk to water quality from a mine in that location. The FVRD has also recognized there is a water quality risk, and has asked for thorough environmental impact studies as well as hydrological studies. The hydrogeologist who identified the aquifer for MoE has also suggested we need a thorough hydrology study. Downstream, dependent on groundwater that may be effected by the proposal, there are documented species at risk such as red-legged frogs, mountain beaver, and snow shoe hares.
As you can probably surmise, residents have many other issues with the proposed mine location, such as public road safety, noise and dust, negative impact on tourism, impact on neighbouring aquifer wells and the unknown impact on the precious Chipmunk Creek Caves, and more. The fisheries issue and the protection of species at risk belongs to the federal government alone.
We believe it would demonstrate sound judgement for the Federal government to ask the Provincial Ministry of mines to stop their permitting process, as the risks to the hatchery and the fragile ecosystem is high. According to the Candian Government's own /Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science Based Decision Making About Risk/ (2003), in situations where the potential impacts of a proposal are high, and the science is not certain, precaution is a legitimate decision-making approach. Certainly, the current critical situation of Pacific salmon stocks can ill afford anything left to chance. Everything humanly possible must be done to safeguard our dwindling salmon runs.
Also, in this time of diminishing worldwide ground water resources, residents feel strongly we cannot afford to take risks with our precious watershed reserves. Even if this mine beats the odds and has no spills and maintains a perfect record of operation for 40 years, there are risks to salmon habitat from the adjacent Pierce Creek stream, and from opening up access to the water table below, in such close proximity to the fish hatchery that relies on pristine water flows. There are far better locations for this open pit mine than in this designated 'red zoned' environmentally sensitive area, and the applicant evidently has alternative non-red zone gravel locations that the FVRD has no issues with.
Time is of the essence. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Looking forward to your early reply.
Sincerely,
Susan Federspiel:
(on behalf of the Friends of the Chilliwack River Valley, Sports Fishers, Small Business Owners, Residents, Tourists, and Recreation users of the Chilliwack River Valley and the over 1,800+ signers of local petition)
C.C. The Honorable Barry Penner Minister of the Environment, Robert Freeman, Chilliwack Progress, Paul Henderson, Chilliwack Times, Mike Archer, ChilliwackToday.ca, ValleyVoices.com, The Tyee, The Province, The Vancouver Sun, Fraser Valley Salmon Society, BC Wildlife Association, Save Our Rivers, David Suzuki Foundation, Watershed-watch.org, Rafe Mair, Tara Gostelow 895 the Hawk, Fraser Basin Council, CRV Ratepayers Association.
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We have got Global TV coming to cover this tomorrow, not sure if it will air on the evening news or later in the week.
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I arranged this morning to have Global TV come up to the Chilliwack River Valley today to cover this purposed gravel pit that could threaten the Chilliwack River Hatchery ground water, the aquifer and of course having dangerous trucks on the narrow Chilliwack Lake Road that will be a safety factor to the public not to mention the damage it will will do to the roadway's pavement. It should be on Global tonight or tomorrow. Randy Hawes the mines minister seems to be pushing for it even though it is in a red zone, go figure.
Dave and Glen did a great job on front of the camera.