Editor:
Mr. Cobb’s letter in the Feb. 14, 2014 Tribune Weekend Advisor presents comments attributed to Dr. John Meech as the reason for the latest delegation’s trip to Ottawa.
Dr. Meech’s review of the tailings storage facility (TSF) seepage rate modelling issue included a personal attack on an employee of Natural Resources Canada, suggesting he was either negligent or incompetent in the performance of his duties as a scientist while working on the New Prosperity Environmental Assessment Review project.
The Fish Lake Alliance believes these statements are unfair and are not supported by the evidence.
A complaint has been submitted to the Compliance Officer at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC for their consideration.
The CEAA Registry confirms that Dr. Meech presented on behalf of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce as well as the Share the Cariboo-Chilcotin Society.
In his presentation on behalf of the Share Society, Dr. Meech stated he knew a number of the senior management team at Taseko and he considered them personal friends. (ref. CEAA Registry Doc. #754, p. 1).
Dr. Meech’s personal website at jmeechmining.ubc.ca confirms he is a Metallurgical Engineer with a Ph.D. in mineral processing and a masters in mining engineering.
The extensive qualifications of the research scientist whose competence was challenged by Dr. Meech are located in the NR Can submission to the Panel. (ref. CEAR Doc. #648, p. 54-60)
Dr. Meech’s review also suggests that the operation of a large open pit mine and mill surrounding Fish Lake will enhance the health of the resident fish population.
This conclusion is contradicted by numerous, more qualified experts who presented at the hearing.
In my view, the seepage modelling issue introduced by Taseko last November is a red herring and, like any fish left out too long, it is starting to smell.
Rodger Hamilton
Williams Lake