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Coal critic lauds Dix call for terminal hearings

Port Metro Vancouver could rule soon on Fraser Surrey Docks proposal
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NDP leader Adrian Dix speaking to anti-coal activist Kevin Washbrook in Kitsilano Saturday.

Opponents of increased coal exports through Metro Vancouver are optimistic an NDP government would be an ally.

NDP leader Adrian Dix told a rally Saturday in Vancouver there should be full public hearings on a proposal by Fraser Surrey Docks to build a new terminal on the Fraser River.

Dix called the exports of U.S. thermal coal through the planned terminal a distinct issue from the B.C.-mined steelmaking coal that makes up the bulk of coal shipped through the region so far.

"This is a positive step forward," said Kevin Washbrook of the group Voters Taking Action on Climate Change.

He has spearheaded opposition to new or expanded coal terminals, assembling a coalition of climate change activists along with local residents worried about coal dust and other impacts.

Port Metro Vancouver, the federally appointed port authority, has the final say on the new terminal and has indicated it could make a decision by early summer.

Washbrook said he wants the NDP to go further and agree, if elected, to either undertake a provincial review of the Fraser Surrey Docks plan or else conduct their own public hearings.

While it's unclear how the province could block a federal approval of a new coal terminal, Washbrook thinks the NDP's stance adds to the weight of opposition.

"Pretty much everyone now is calling on the port to consult more broadly," Washbrook said. "If they don't listen to these appeals, they're not going to have a social licence to build this [coal] port."

Coal is currently shipped out of Deltaport and a terminal in North Vancouver and the port's existing coal-handling capacity is 51.5 million tonnes.

The Fraser Surrey Docks terminal would ship just four million tonnes initially but could expand to eight million and critics argue it's the first major jump here in U.S. coal exports, which have been largely blocked by opponents of new terminals in Washington State.

Open houses on the proposal are promised for later this month.

Coal expansion opponents say the issue will be the focus of a candidates forum Thursday night in Surrey, at 6:30 at Surrey City Centre library.