The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) is opposed to the proposed coal-export terminal expansion at Fraser Surrey Docks, saying it will lead to health issues and environmental damage, the union announced October 9.
In an open letter to Communities and Coal, a South-Surrey based grassroots group that has been leading opposition to the potential expansion, the union stated that an in-depth health assessment and input from medical professionals is needed before any expansions are to take place.
"… a coal export expansion project of this size would impact the health and well-being of thousands of citizens in B.C. communities and cause considerable damage to an already fragile coastal environment," BCNU president Debra McPherson and vice-president Christine Sorenson said in the letter.
"Any attempt to develop a direct coal transfer facility along the Fraser River in Surrey is one that must include the voices of health professionals, the public and all levels of government. We would like to see an in-depth health assessment that meets the international standards for adequate testing of the health impacts coal dust and coal trains have on the community."
The $15 million expansion of the Fraser Surrey Docks will allow the terminal to handle up to four million tonnes of coal shipped by rail from the United States.
Port Metro Vancouver is conducting an environmental impact assessment for the proposed expansion, but a group of health and environmental experts has called on the port to stop this, calling the process flawed.
