Editor:
The Andion biofuel plant proposed for Semiahmoo First Nations land is a great idea in the wrong location.
Gas emissions from this plant will impact air quality, health, and the environment.
The extent of that impact greatly depends on how well emission limits are enforced.
Andion is seeking an air quality permit from Metro Vancouver but given this business will operate on the reserve, which is federal land, once the facility is operational, any municipal or provincial regulations related to health, safety and environment will not apply and can’t be enforced.
That means that if the emissions produced by the plant start exceeding acceptable limits, the province has no ability to enforce any environmental regulations.
There is however an option for the Semiahmoo First Nation to help ensure that provincial laws and regulations can be incorporated.
Semiahmoo First Nation can opt into something called the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA). By signing up for FNCIDA for this project, they can ensure that for the life of the facility, all environmental, health and safety impacts are effectively managed.
This will give the province all the powers to be able to enforce applicable regulations, the same as they would for any other facility operating in B.C.
Let’s encourage Semiahmoo First Nation to work with the federal and provincial governments to opt into FNCIDA. For the protection of the environment and for the sake of future generations.
Scott Kristjanson, White Rock