Cavers wants to make sure there’s enough time to review Ajax application

NEWS/ AJAX — Coun. Donovan Cavers wants to make sure there’s enough time to take a good look at the environmental assessment application for the proposed Ajax mine.

Cavers presented a notice of motion Tuesday to ask the B.C. Environment Ministry not to kick in a 75-day public comment period immediately after KGHM International submits the application, which is expected within a few weeks.

He also wants the City to be notified when the 30-day application review period begins so City staff and consultants are able to give it a thorough look.

Under the environmental assessment process, 30 days are allowed for an application to be evaluated for completeness, followed by a 180-day review stage that includes a public comment period and completion of the Working Group — which includes the City — review.

Cavers wants to make sure the 30-day stage is finished ahead of the 75-day public comment period within the application review stage.

After the review periods are finished, the project is referred to government.

Cavers’ notice of motion will come up for discussion at the next council meeting.