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Port Metro Vancouver has been open and transparent

Dear Editor: Re: MP Peter Julian promises dust-up over coal plan, The Record, Oct. 4.

Dear Editor:

Re: MP Peter Julian promises dust-up over coal plan, The Record, Oct. 4.

A story in last Friday's Royal City Record quoted assumptions made by MP Peter Julian claiming the coal-handling facility proposed for Fraser Surrey Docks has not received proper public input. We believe our actions show just the opposite.

On several occasions, the project has been subject to public consultation through open houses held by the project proponent in Surrey in May 2013, presentations to municipalities and regional boards, and meetings with the health authorities on three separate occasions.

In addition to this, Port Metro Vancouver has been conducting the review of materials already provided by the proponent, and based on that work and input from the public, on Sept. 11 we announced new requirements concerning a potential permit for Fraser Surrey Docks. These include the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment, as well as new measures to control coal dust, such as spraying trains and barges with a dust suppressant and preventing the stockpiling of coal at the facility. Port Metro Vancouver has not in any way worked to avoid public consultation. Our actions show we are open, transparent and hearing the public's concerns. As always, we encourage public participation and input through our www.PortTalk.ca site.

We look forward to continuing to engage with elected officials, the community and other stakeholders on this project, and all Port Metro Vancouver projects currently within the project permit review process.

Marko Dekovic, manager, government relations and strategic communications, Port Metro Vancouver