Health officials in Canada have sent a letter to Port Metro
Vancouver stating that they wish to have input into the port’s expansion plans,
including a proposed new coal terminal.
The letter brings up the issue of the potential of air and
noise pollution caused by expansion projects.
“Rail and road traffic produce air emissions, noise and risk
of injury, as well as livability concerns,” the letter, which is dated Dec. 17 and
signed by Vancouver Coastal Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Daly and
Dr. Paul van Buynder, vice-president of public health at the Fraser Health
Authority, states.
The letter comes as Metro Vancouver is in the process of
reviewing a project permit application by Fraser Surrey Docks to develop a
direct transfer coal facility that would export coal from the US Midwest to
Asia. It would handle up to four million metric tons of coal annually.
A campaign is in progress by environmentalists and public
health advocates to block the facility, however.
Although the port has worked in the past with health
officials on noise and air quality issues, it has so far been noncommittal
regarding the health officials’ request.
