It’s not intended to be a vote, but opinions on the proposed Ajax mine — rather than questions — dominate responses submitted to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).
Thursday, Dec. 18, marks the final day public comments can be submitted to the EAO.
The federal-provincial harmonized comprehensive environmental assessment opened up a second public-comment period last month, following criticism it had not responded to changes in the proposed mine footprint.
KGHM Ajax now proposes to move operations south of the pit, away from the city.
The comment period is intended to guide the application information requirements (AIR) document — a so-called table of contents used to list studies the company must do.
The EAO’s most recent public comment section on Ajax lists about 220 individual responses on the revised mine plan. In about half of the entries, respondents express clear unhappiness with the mine proposal.
“I am extremely concerned that Kamloops will become an unsafe place to live if this mine is approved and begins operations,” said Wilson Bell, one of the respondents.
“A large housing development would never be approved so close to an enormous, open-pit mine, and it does not make sense to build such a large mine so close to houses and schools. The mine’s location is a perfect storm for potentially catastrophic problems.”
A number of people identifying themselves as physicians warn it will be harder to keep and attract doctors in Kamloops if the mine is approved.
Anti-Ajax sentiment focused on health and environmental issues dominates the early days of the 30-day window. But, in the last week in particular, responses have been overwhelmingly in favour of the project.
“Ajax is doing all they can to make this a viable project and lessen any perceived impacts on the city that the project may have and they deserve to have their project approved,” said Pat Rose. “I’m behind Ajax 100 per cent.”
In one case, a public-relations official who recently conducted site tours for KGHM-Ajax is one of those who indicates he is in favour of the mine.
“I am a resident of Kamloops and have been since 1990. I have lived in the Aberdeen area for the entire time, even when Teck was mining the area, and there was no issue with noise, dust or vibration. I don’t feel this proposed mine will have a significant negative impact on the city of Kamloops,” said Kym Behrns.
Respondents are not required to provided names and many did so anonymously. The survey of responses tallied by KTW ignores multiple comments submitted by the same people.
About 38 per cent of responses appear to tilt toward Ajax, with many unreservedly in favour. The dominate theme is jobs and economic development.
The public-comment period, however, was not designed as a survey of opinion.
It was held to determine if there are any new aspects or studies the company should undertake due to the change in the mine’s proposed footprint.
In total, about 12 per cent of responses ask the EAO to look at aspects including light pollution, air quality and animal habitat.
Lee Emery references recent days of poor air quality in Kamloops that resulted in a warning by public-health authorities.
“If the Ajax project is approved, will the mine be required to immediately shut down all operations as soon as an air-quality alert is announced?” he asked.
Another anonymous respondent urges studies on real-estate values based on economic modelling theory , rather than anecdotal surveys.
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