THE SENATE OF CANADA/ LE SENAT DU CANADA
Honourable Pat Carney, P.C.
Ottawa Ontario
K1A0A6
August 14, 2000
Via Facsimile (613) 996-2358 and Mail
Honourable David Anderson, PC, MP
Minister of the Environment
House of Commons
East Block, Room 133
Ottawa, ON K1A0A6
Dear Minister Anderson:
RE: Georgia Strait Gas Pipeline Crossing (GSX)
As a resident of Saturna Island, I am writing to express the concerns that I and my fellow islanders have with the scope of the environmental assessment of the proposed Georgia Strait Pipeline Project. Many islanders attended a public meeting to probe for more information about this little known project and its impact on Saturna Island, whose shore line and coastal zone it touches.
We are asking for an Environmental Assessment Review Panel to consider the project, since this would allow for public involvement throughout the review process, The project sponsors, BC Hydro, the American pipeline construction company Williams Bros., and the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, apparently prefer a more limited Comprehensive Studies Report, which limits public participation and the opportunity to seek answers to sensitive environmental questions.
One such issue concerns proposed marine parks in the area affected by this pipeline crossing. As you know, the coastal waters off Saturna are home to pods of orcas, who regularly travel our island coastline. Saturna is also the site of the new federal-provincial Pacific Marine Heritage Park.
There is a Memorandum of Understanding between the local Islands Trust and the County of San Juan in Washington State to preserve and protect the marine environment in that area. The local Liberal MLA, Murray Coell has forwarded you a similar request for an independent review of the project.
Enclosed please find a briefing note prepared by environmental consultant Susie Washington Smyth. Ms. Smyth was retained by your government to advise on public involvement in the establishment of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, which established the principle of a joint panel review by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the National Energy Board. Surely this project meets the criteria for an independent joint panel review.
Saturna Island is known for its self-reliance, community spirit, and keen interest in keeping the Island and its coastal waters in a pristine condition, consistent with sustainable ecological and economic development. We are also on Boundary Pass, a half mile from the Canada-US border. I am not saying we will up anchor and cast off if we are unsuccessful in winning a review, but we will seek to preserve our Island with a passion! I look forward to your response with the hope of a favourable decision.
Sincerely,
Honourable Pat Carney, PC
Senator for British Columbia
encl.