Opponents of a biofuel facility proposed for Semiahmoo First Nation land in South Surrey are planning to rally “in peaceful opposition” at Peace Arch Park next weekend.
“Plan to attend the family-friendly rally with homemade signs – think positive like: we are for the salmon, clean air/we care, we want to play outside,” reads a message posted to Facebook by organizers of the Oct. 29 event.
On a website created by residents opposed to the facility – Clean Air Alliance (www.nobiofuel.ca) – the rally is described as an opportunity to hear from local residents and guest speakers; connect with neighbours and community leaders; and share concerns.
Andion Global, in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation, is proposing to build the plant on four acres of SFN land adjacent to Highway 99, approximately one kilometre north of the Canada-U.S. border and 40 metres back from the highway itself.
The proponents – who hope to get started on construction early next year – say in addition to creating jobs and revenue for the First Nation, the facility will annually divert some 70,000 tons of organic food waste from area landfills and incinerators, eliminate around 55,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, generate 3.5 million gigajoules of RNG and help avoid the use of some 22,000 tons of chemical fertilizers.
In September, an Environmental Protection Notice advising of SFN’s application to Metro Vancouver for an air quality permit details approximately 40 tonnes of annual anticipated emissions, including methane (35.8 tonnes per year), hydrogen sulphide (0.108 tonnes) and volatile organic compounds (0.78 tonnes).
Opponents say the gases are linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, as well as neurological and other issues.
However, Andion CEO Phillip Abrary told Peace Arch News earlier this month that the proposal has “gone through the wringer,” and that expert analysis has determined anticipated emissions are not “anything to be concerned about.”
“This is designed in a way that can function without impacting the neighbours,” he said.
READ MORE: ‘A lot of questions’ remain around South Surrey biofuel proposal
Health is one of four areas over which opponents have voiced concern. They contend pollution from the facility will affect the health of residents and “specifically sensitive communities” from 0 Avenue to 32 Avenue, and throughout the Semiahmoo Peninsula.
Environment is another of the group’s focuses. They note particulates from released gases such as sulphur dioxide and methane will be distributed via Little Campbell River to Surrey, Langley, Whatcom County, Semiahmoo Bay and across the Canada-U.S. border into Drayton Harbour.
Little Campbell Watershed Society has not yet taken a position on the biofuel proposal, but told PAN last week that “all airborne contaminants can become waterborne… could impact the river.”
The Oct. 29 rally is set to get underway at 1 p.m.
For more details, including a list of scheduled speakers and parking information, visit nobiofuel.ca
