LandKeepers News Archive
Federal panel will not recommend Prosperity public comment period extension
April 22 2009 | News Articles | Williams Lake Tribune
Federal panel will not recommend Prosperity public comment period extension
Ken MacInnis
April 22, 2009
The federal prosperity review panel will not recommend a 90-day extension of its public comment period of the Prosperity Mine project as requested by the Tsilhqot’in National Government.
In a letter dated today to TNG mining co-ordinator Loretta Williams, panel chair Robert Connelly notes he federal minister of environment would have to approve the extension, and the panel will not recommend he do so.
Connelly notes that the TNG has had previous opportunities to review Taskeo Mines Limited’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
“The Panel notes that the Agency, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, provided opportunity to review the draft terms of reference, including the proposed timelines, in November and December, 2008. During that time interested parties, including the TNG, provided comments on the draft terms of reference. The only comment received at that time regarding the timelines for the review was made by Taseko Mines Ltd, requesting that the timelines be shortened,” Connelly writes.
“The Panel recognizes that the EIS is a large document and understands the challenges posed for the TNG and other interested parties who may not be experts in the subject matter of the review. The Panel also notes that there have been other opportunities to review the draft EIS in advance of its release in final form for review on March 26, 2006 as outlined in Taseko Mines Ltd.’s letter dated April 15, 2009.”
In that letter, Taseko vice president of corporate affairs Brian Battison writes that sufficient time has already been alloted.
“Beginning in April 2006, the TNG have been invited to attend no less that 17 technical working group meetings where their views on process, study design, terms of reference and results and data analysis were sought. The TNG chose not to participate in any of these meetings.
“In November of 2008, again the TNG along with other members of the technical working groups were provided with chapters of the Draft EIS application also in an effort to facilitate their timely review. No comments were received from the TNG.”
Battison also noted the protest at the April 2 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and B.C. Environmental Assessment Office open house in Alexis Creek forced its cancellation.
In her April 6 request for an extension to the public comment period of 90 days from the day the funding contribution agreement is made, Williams writes, ““The scope of the EIS review required by the TNG to adequately assess the project is far greater than the vast majority of, or perhaps all, other affected groups. Although the comment period commenced on March 26, 2009, we have yet to secure participant funding from the CEAA to start our review of the EIS.”
As of today, the agreement for $300,00 in participant funding from the CEAA has not been concluded.
Connelly writes, “a sufficient commitment of awarding of funds was made by the Agency on March 3, 2009,” and that the contribution agreement allows for reimbursement of expenses retroactively to Oct. 23, 2008.”
He writes the panel is not restricted in considering comments that may be received after May 25, the last day of the current 60-day public comment period, because the panel has to determine whether the EIS is sufficient to proceed to hearings within 30 days – June 24 – or whether Taseko needs to provide more information.
“Comments received in advance of June 24 may still be considered by the panel and if received too late to be considered by the panel in making this decision, can still be taken into account as information for the continuing review up to and including the public hearings.”
He also notes
“The panel recognizes the challenge facing the TNG and other parties in the review but asks that they do their best to contribute as much as possible during the existing timelines,” Connelly writes. “Information received by May 25th will allow more time for the panel to give it the attention it deserves.”
http://www.bclocalnews.com/breaking_news/43447292.html
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