Press Release Sept 23, 2014 City of New Westminster to submit application for intervener status against proposed Fraser Surrey Docks Coal Transfer Facility

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster will be submitting an application for Intervener Status with respect to the Federal Court challenge commenced by Ecojustice Canada (formerly known as Sierra Legal Defence Fund) against the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks Coal Transfer Facility.

On August 21, 2014, Port Metro Vancouver issued a project permit to Fraser Surrey Docks which authorizes the construction and operation of a direct transfer coal facility in Surrey, B.C. The facility will load coal, primarily from the central U.S., directly from trains onto barges for transfer to overseas markets. Up to four million metric tonnes of coal is to be shipped annually with an ultimate capacity of eight million tonnes per year.

“New Westminster Council is extremely disappointed with this approval and the process leading to the decision to issue a project permit to Fraser Surrey Docks,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Due to New Westminster’s close proximity to the proposed facility, we have serious concerns with respect to the environmental, health and safety risks that could result from this project.”