Environmentalists concerned about the prospect of a new coal transfer terminal in Surrey are calling for region-wide public hearings about the project.
Members from Voters Taking Action on Climate Change (VTACC) appeared before Metro Vancouver officials Thursday asking for support in modifying Metro's resolution expressing concern about the plan at Fraser Surrey Docks that would see U.S. coal brought in by rail and barged past Richmond down the South Arm of the Fraser River.
VTACC is calling on the Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) - Fraser Surrey Docks' landlord and the sole agency entrusted with approving the proposal - to hold full public hearings.
PMV has so far only required Fraser Surrey Docks to host two open houses, both of them in Surrey. VTACC states that is inadequate given the global implications of coal usage and a high degree of public interest in the project.
Councils in Surrey and White Rock have already formally opposed the proposal that could see as many as three barges a day ply the Fraser River before heading past Steveston and on to a larger coal transfer facility on Texada Island.
To date, Richmond City Council has not stated its position on the matter.
