Residents in New Westminster say no to coal terminal

Concerns about the possibility of coal dust floating across the Fraser River prompted a rally in New Westminster on Sunday.

It is the latest in the debate over a controversial proposed coal export terminal.

Port Metro Vancouver wants to build it at Fraser Surrey docks, and if it gets its way, as much as 8 million tonnes of coal per year from the United States will be shipped by train and by barge from a coal terminal right across the river from New Westminster. Most of it will go to china. Residents in Seattle have given a resounding thumbs down to the idea, so U.S. companies are looking to B.C.

Climate change and coal dust’s effects on health are the big concerns.

A recent wind storm at the coal port in Delta, along with stories from residents who live there about the black dust that covers patios and outdoor furniture, are adding fuel to the fire.

In B.C.’s interior there are similar concerns about coal already traveling through their community.

Organizers of Sunday’s rally say if American citizens can say no to coal exports, British Columbians can surely do the same.

They are only beginning to organize, and believe they can shut it down.