For the second time in as many months, a group is taking aim at Compliance Energy Corporation and the proposed Raven Coal Mine.

CoalWatch Comox Valley Society said that they brought in hydro geologist Dr Gilles Wendling to take a look at the water studies done by the CEC and the reviews were less than glowing.

Mr John Synder president of CoalWatch said that "The studies are not rigorous or expansive enough in the Baynes Sound watershed impacted by the proposed mine.”

He basically gave the companies report a failing grade which for us is very disappointing. Less than a month ago, the BC Shellfish Growers Association also criticized the CEC environmental assessment process near Fanny Bay.

He said that with the watersheds impacted by the proposed coal mine all flowing into Baynes Sound, the lack of rigorous water studies should be concerning to everyone.

The Society said that the local goverments of Comox, Cumberland, Courtenay and the Comox Valley Regional District have all passed previous motions requiring the Province to conduct a comprehensive mapping and modeling of the aquifers that may be affected by the mine as part of the environmental assessment.

Mr Synder said that with the report from Dr Wendling concluding the proposed water studies on the Raven Coal Mine are inadequate and not rigorous, it remains seen what our local, provincial and federal governments will do to protect our valuable Baynes Sound watershed.

He had been to many public meetings regarding the assessment and they all were standing room only. This is a high profile project, a lot of people know about it. For the people of the Comox Valley, it should raise a red flag. If they think this is just a Fanny Bay problem they should wake up and smell the roses.

Source - Hqcomoxvalley.com

(www.coalguru.com)