The public will get their say on the requirements for the proposed Ajax Mine following a change in the footprint earlier this year.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
November 12, 2014 - 11:47 AM
INFORMATION SESSIONS AT END OF MONTH
KAMLOOPS - The round of public comment period promised by the provincial government on the proposed Ajax Mine will run for one month beginning Nov. 18.
Council and residents fought for the chance to have another say on what should be included in the application requirements for the project after the company made significant changes to the footprint of the mine site in the spring.
About six weeks ago another public comment period was approved by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office and it was just announced the comment period will run from Nov. 18 through Dec. 18 with information sessions planned during that time as well.
The application information requirements and environmental impact statement guidelines provide direction about the studies, methods and information the proponent is required to included in the project application. It will cover the potential for environmental, heritage, health, social and economic effects through all phases of the project.
Information sessions will be held Nov. 25 and 26 from 2-8 p.m. at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre on Rogers Way. Information on the project and the revised guidelines will be available for viewing and provincial and federal environmental assessment representatives as well as technical experts from KGHM will be on hand.
Copies of the summary and complete guidelines can be viewed at the assessment agency in Vancouver (by appointment only), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District libraries at 465 Victoria St. and at 693 Tranquille Rd. as well as City Hall.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is also conducting a federal environmental assessment of the project and is also inviting the public to comment on the revised Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the project. Comments should be submitted only once to either the federal or provincial agency, not both.
Public comments can be submitted online, by email at ajax@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by fax at 250-387-2208. Submissions can also be made by to the provincial or federal assessment agencies.
A public comment period will also be held on the actual application at a later date.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014