A potash export facility in Prince Rupert took another step closer to reality on Monday as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced the opening of public comment for Canpotex’s planned terminal on Ridley Island.
The agency is inviting people to submit comment between now and September 30 to help guide Canpotex as they proceed with the assessment.
“The project is still in the very early stage for an environmental assessment. We have a document online to give some background on the project and as we start to move forward we want to hear from the public,” said Maxine Leger-Haskell of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
“It’s really a great way for people to get familiar with the project and raise issues that are important to the local community so that we can include those in the environmental assessment process.”
This is the first of a minimum of three public comment periods, and Leger-Haskell said it’s an important one for the project going ahead.
“After the first public comment period we submit to the proponent a list of the studies we need for the project,” she said, adding that the number of studies required will play a role in dictating the timeline for the review.
“Future public comment periods will be announced later, once certain milestones have been hit along the way.”
As well as taking comments from the public, the Agency is making $50,000 available under its Participant Funding Program to help residents or those who feel they may have a stake in the project get involved in the assessment.
A representative for Canpotex declined comment at this time.
Anyone wishing to comment can do so by writing:
Canpotex Potash Terminal Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Jack Smith, Project Manager
410–701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1C6
They can also be faxed to 604-666-6990 or submitted via e-mail to CanpotexEA@ceaa-acee.gc.ca