Dear editor,

I'm a supporter of responsible development.

I earned my living in the primary aluminum Industry and realize the importance of quality metallurgical coal, to that Industry. Coal tar pitch, a byproduct of coking metallurgical coal, is a vital raw material for anode production.

It would be nice to have some $100,000 jobs in the area that are not directly funded by taxpayers. These benefits need to be weighed against impacts.

People in the Comox Valley seem to like big commercial developments  that have benefits, but also impacts. Unlike the Raven coal mine project, commercial projects seem to be seen as environmentally friendly. I'm not so sure.

I grew up up in the times when the Cumberland mine was still operating. I clearly recall the abundance of wild salmon in the Courtenay River and the Trent River. Comox Harbour was famous for tyee fishing.

Industry has a dreadful environmental record in the Comox Valley.

The Mount Washington Mining company poisoned the Tsolum River and decimated fish stock. BC Electric nearly destroyed several runs of wild salmon with the dam on Comox lake  and the construction of the powerhouse.

Tailings from the Cumberland Coal mines eventually impacted on salmon stock that disappeared from the Trent River. As well , the Tsable River became a dead river as result of coal mine tailings. All of this impact was a result of upstream activity.

What is Compliance Energy Corporation doing to guarantee that the irreversible mistakes of the past are not repeated?

If Compliance president John Tapics expects his project to proceed with the Raven Coal project overlooking Baynes Sound, I suggest he will need to clearly demonstrate that his company will not repeat the mistakes of the past, and be prepared to pay to correct any unintended impacts by posting an appropriate bond.

Local taxpayers should not be expected to pick up the costs resulting from any development that has negative impacts.

Phil Harrison,

Comox