Sample Letter for Canadian Environmental Minister, Peter Kent

Posted by Stop Ajax Mine on September 13th, 2011 10:16am

The following letter has been written by KAPA and we encourage all who are opposed to the mine to download, print, add your name, and mail it to The Honourable Peter Kent. You are welcome to modify the letter to suit your needs, we have provided this as a starting point for those who would like to contact the Minister with your concerns. 

Download the Letter in DOC or PDF format - it has been included below for your to preview:

 

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The Honorable Peter Kent  
Minister of Environment 
House of Commons 
Parliament Buildings 
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E6

Dear Minister Kent:

Re: Proposed Ajax Copper/Gold Mine, Kamloops, B.C.

I am writing to urge you to refer the proposed Ajax Copper/Gold Mine Project to an Independent Review Panel pursuant to your authority under section 28 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (“CEAA”). This request is based on the considerations outlined below.

The KGHM Ajax Copper-Gold Mine Project (the “Project”) would be an open-pit copper mine 50% of which will be located within the City of Kamloops. KGHM would blast, haul and crush 180,000 tonnes of rock per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. The Project is currently in the early stages of a comprehensive study pursuant to CEAA.  I am convinced that this study of the Ajax Copper Mine Project will not fully address the potentially significant environmental and health effects of the Project.  

My concerns include the following:

  • The destruction of agricultural and ranch lands that include sensitive native grasslands, and the subsequent impact on the livelihood of the ranchers.  
  • Air quality issues.  The City of Kamloops is located directly downslope and downwind of the proposed Ajax mine with 50% of the mine property within city limits. The prevailing southwest wind will blow dust from two huge waste rock facilities and a 940 acre dry tailings facility, plus the dust created by the open pit mining operation - contaminated with heavy metals and dry toxic waste - directly over 8 elementary schools, 4 high schools, 4 seniors residences, one hospital, one university, and houses in Aberdeen and Pineview Valley. Pacific Way Elementary School and some houses are less than two kilometres from the mine property. The boundary of the development of Aberdeen Highlands is only 700 metres from the proposed north waste rock facility.
  • Noise pollution from a 24hr., 365 days per year operation for 23 years.
  • The probability of acid/toxic mine drainage from tailings and mine operations into the water sources of those living on the perimeter of the mine site, and into the Thompson River. Pollution of the Thompson River could also effect the vitally important salmon runs.
  • The adverse effects on the tourism industry and related job opportunities. 
  • Decreased property values. My home is my biggest asset.

Yours truly,

 

Concerned Kamloops Citizen

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