Follow the Ruts…
Why not use no Coal?>>
The transportation issue can be broken down into Pros and Cons and a Best and Worst case… this is specifically if it is goes through Port Alberni other ports have been considered but are not currently being studied by the Proponent.
By Truck.
PROS:
- Possibly significant indirect trucking jobs (20-50 jobs)
- Spinoff of work for service industries in Port Alberni and Courtenay
CONS:
- 75 loaded B-Trains to Port Alberni, 150 passes both ways 24/7/365 for 15 years.
- possible coal dust along Hwy 4 and through residential and commerical areas of Port Alberni.
- truck noise pollution in Waterfront area of Port Alberni 24/7/365
- increased road wear and tear
- increased congestion on Hwy 4 in winter, and potential for standstill in summer (think 2 coal trucks plus 2 other trucks pulling up the hump with 2 campers between them and everyone trying to pass… the highway is only so long)
By Rail
PROS:
- Some indirect rail yard jobs.
- 230,000 – 390,000 Litres less Diesel annually than trucks to Port Alberni.
- 169,000 – 286,000 kg less CO2 emitted annually than trucks to Port Alberni.
- Increased exposure of Port Alberni to import/export markets, connection to all NA RRs at Annacis Island.
- Better placement of coal facility
- Revitalized Island rail infrastructure and economic sustainability for rail operations.
- Increased rail tourism opportunities (huge load off volunteers maintaining rail line)
- Short active unloading time (around 2 hours) once per day.
- New Commercial rail opportunities (WFP/Catalyst/Fuel/Others) for commodities currently transiting across Vancouver Island by truck
CONS:
- Increased use of pesticides on railway
- Possible coal dust along railline
- Blocking of crossings at Harbour Quay disrupting car/foot traffic.