New Ajax input period still possible

NEWS/ AJAX — There’s still a possibility a new public-input period will be called before KGHM International submits its application for an environmental  assessment certificate for the Ajax mine, says the B.C. Ministry of Environment.

In response to a request from the Armchair Mayor News for clarification on its position on the issue of another public-input period, the ministry said it is reviewing comments from the working group and is also in discussions with federal counterparts before making a decision.

Scott Bailey of the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office responded to Kamloops City council earlier this month on the issue, with council taking his answer to mean a second public-input period was being rejected.

However, the reply to The Armchair Mayor News inquiry appears to leave the door open.

“As outlined in the Environmental Assessment Office’s response to the City of Kamloops, EAO is reviewing working group comments on changes to the proposed project and how those changes would be reflected in the Application Information Requirements,” the ministry said.

The “working group” is a committee of staff members from stakeholder agencies including the City of Kamloops.

“A decision will be made on the question of whether to hold a public comment period on an updated Application Information Requirements document once we have completed the review of the working group comments and discussed the matter with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.”

The AIR document provides the mine proponent with guidelines on what must be included in the environmental permit application. Mine opponents say that since KGHM International has changed its minesite layout to include a tailings pond south of the Peterson Creek watershed that feeds through downtown Kamloops to the South Thompson River, a new public-input period is called for.

The response to A.M. News from the Enviro Ministry also stated, “Further it is important to note (as we do in the letter) that there will be another 75-day public comment period after KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. submits an application for an environmental assessment certificate. This is the maximum length for a public comment period under our regulations.”

The response to A.M. News was signed off only as “attribution to MoE,” which is usual under the Christy Clark government — government staff members seldom comment directly, with inquiries being handled through communications officers and with attribution only to the ministry itself rather than individuals.