Stop Woodfibre LNG from harming seals and sea lions

Dear Minister Guilbeault,

I was drawn to the community of Britannia Beach for its breathtaking natural beauty and my ability to access snowcapped mountains, lush coastal rainforests and ocean recreation right from my doorstep. This area also boasts a plethora of land and marine wildlife, and our community has witnessed a resurgence of Orcas, dolphins and whales in the Sound. Our growing Britannia Beach community is also the closest residential neighbour to the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant, which will have direct impacts on our community.

I am originally from Ontario, where I’ve worked for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy in the areas of climate change policy, air policy, water policy, air and GHG mitigation technologies, and electricity rate mitigation policy. After reviewing Woodfibre Ltd.’s proposal from the perspectives of a policy maker, environmental scientist, and affected resident, there are several areas of concern to me.

I am writing to express my significant concern about the proposed changes to conditions for the Woodfibre LNG export facility. As the final decision maker, I urge you not to approve these proposed changes, which I believe will increase the adverse effects of the project.

The proponent has requested that the monitoring area for underwater noise impacts to seals and sea lions be reduced from 7,322 metres to just 125 metres during construction.

However, Woodfibre LNG is located in the Átl’?a7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, which is recognized internationally as "a cultural and ecological treasure." Steller sea lions are listed as a species of "Special Concern" under the Species at Risk Act, and have only recently returned to Átl’?a7tsem / Howe Sound.

Woodfibre LNG must be held to the highest standards, and must employ the precautionary principle to minimize impacts to wildlife and ecosystems.

Please reject these proposed changes. Myself, along with the thousands of residents along Howe Sound, recognize that a pristine and natural Howe Sound is an environmental asset and a world class tourist destination for the province. We ask that your Ministry and its partner Ministries do your jobs to ensure that impacts are appropriately mitigated and managed.

Sincerely,
Magdalena

Sincerely,
Magdalena Gronowska

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Britannia Beach BC
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