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Adverse effects of Prosperity Mine would be irreversible

MLA Donna Barnett made a statement that people are opposed to the mine because it is politically convenient.

Editor:

Controversy over the “new” Prosperity Gold-copper Mine is still ongoing with MLA Donna Barnett making her statement that people are opposed to the mine because it is politically convenient.

This is a pretty ridiculous statement when you consider no one wants another go-round of panel hearings, especially when this second proposal is essentially no better than the first one.

We are opposed to this mine because it will cause extreme damage to the Fish Creek watershed and the entire ecosystem surrounding the mine site.

It will destroy Little Fish Lake with its tailings facility, and most of the spawning beds for wild rainbow trout. Due to the leeching of highly toxic heavy metals and acidity from the acid rock into the three salmon-bearing rivers, it will endanger the strongest salmon runs in the province.

It would also eliminate grizzly bear habitat and totally destroy all spiritual, cultural, and recreational values in this area.

The two infrastructure projects — the hydro transmission line and the construction of a road to the mine site — would have huge footprints and cost to the taxpayers. The cumulative impact of this mine is unacceptable.

Ms. Barnett doesn’t seem to understand or be listening. Here are two “irrs” for her.

The adverse effects of this mine would be irreversible and irreparable. She believes that money and the economy overrule all these concerns. Wrong. She repeats the Capitalist mantra; jobs and the economy. Economic benefits. Prosperity, prosperity. Read Steve Monk’s letter in last week’s Tribune.

This would be the lowest grade of ore ever to be proposed for a mine, and would be the second largest open pit mine in Canada. The only question that remains is why is Taseko Mines continuing to push for approval of this project?

Industry is counting on an extremely right wing Conservative government to approve their destructive projects (like the Enbridge Pipeline and supertanker route ) before they are ousted from power.

It is interesting that supporters of the mine have never addressed environmental concerns, perhaps because they can only see one side of the story. Williams Lake and area are doing quite well economically. Prices for lumber and copper are good.

If local municipal governments, businesses, and Chambers of Commerce need another economic boost, after 50 years of boomtown prosperity, then they should look at themselves, rather than ask for more.

Michael Atwood

Williams Lake