[LookOutSugarLake] Meeting with NORD and MLA

[handr at telus.net]

Hello all,

As you know, we met with NORD directors and our MLA yesterday. The  
many excellent letters you wrote to our MLA have had a very positive  
effect as it is clear that the hon. Tom Christensen, is now convinced  
that this is an issue worthy of his time and effort.  He started out  
explaining that the current laws and regulations unfortunately don't  
allow the MOE to retroactively forbid a development that meets the  
MSR standards.

However, it was pointed out that we have challenged that fact, saying  
that the EIS conclusion was based on incomplete information. Also,  
now that NORD is being challenged legally by the developer's lawyers  
and that the first step in the process is being reopened, shouldn't  
the next step (approval by MOE) be halted until step 1 is completed?

Our MLA agreed this is a concern worth pursuing with MOE and has  
asked for a list of all other challenges that have been made to the  
EIS. We sent him a list yesterday that includes our reasons for  
challenging the EIS as well as all the objections made by Interior  
Health and all of you, through your emails and letters. We also  
stressed the fact that new findings should warrant new decisions, and  
that the new findings showing the danger of cumulative discharges, of  
climate change, and of persistent drugs in water, should warrant new  
decisions from MOE.

Tom has stated he will meet with MOE to address these and will get  
back to us. We expect to hear from him next week to see if there are  
news and will let you know of any actions needed.

WHAT to do now:

Because the Ministry of Transport's permit has not been approved (in  
a letter dated 31 - 1 - 07) until many conditions are met, the first  
one being that the supporting documentation requested by Interior  
Health in their letter of December 21st (see it on the website) be  
provided, it seems that the Ministry of Transport is responsible to  
ensure that all concerns are answered prior to giving a permit.
The only Ministry that now seems to still require public pressure is  
MOE. If you want to write letters telling them that you expect  
answers to all challenges expressed, please contact: Mike Reiner who  
is responsible for the file, his boss Ric Baker, and the Minister of  
Environment the Hon. Barry Penner - see info below.

It was also mentioned that no one has heard from any of the buyers  
from this development and that it might be instructive to speak with  
them. Any help or information in that regard would be appreciated.

As well, it would be good to congratulate our NORD directors on their  
clear and decisive actions regarding this file and thank them for  
listening to the population. The chairs of the monthly committees are  
Jerry Oglow 	jerry.oglow at nord.ca      and Rick Fairbairn   
rick.fairbairn at nord.ca   , and the director of area E is Eugene  
Foisy  eugene.foisy at nord.ca     . A call or an email to them may go a  
long way towards encouraging them to listen to public opinion.

Please let me know if you have other thoughts on what is needed or  
questions on the above - I'll write back as soon as I hear back from  
our MLA or MOE.

Huguette

Mike J Reiner
Assistant Regional Manager,
Ministry of Environment,
102 Industrial Place,
Penticton, BC, V2A 7C8
mike.reiner at gov.bc.ca

Mr. Ric Baker
Head, Environmental Management Branch
Environment Protection Division
Ministry of Environment 	#401 - 333 Victoria Street,
Nelson, BC, V1L 4K3
(250) 354-6752
Fax 250-354-6332
ric.baker at gov.bc.ca

Hon. Barry Penner
MLA Chilliwack-Kent
Minister of Environment and Minister responsible for Water  
Stewardship and Sustainable Communities
more details 	Chilliwack (604) 702-5200
Victoria (250) 387-1187
Fax 250-387-1356
barry.penner.mla at leg.bc.ca



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