PRINCE RUPERT VOL. 9 NO. 25
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
FREE
Kitsumkalum threaten to block all LNG
KICKING OFF SEAFEST Feature
BY SHAUN THOMAS
Trouble with the terminal Pages A9-A11
PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
“We will do whatever is required to make sure that these projects do not proceed.”
Community Honouring CHSS’ top students Page A12
Shaun Thomas / The Northern View
Black belt Brittany Waite is all focus as she spin kicks the apple from the sword held by Taekwondo Master Paul Bozman during Saturday’s Seafest Parade. For more on Seafest, see Pages B2-B5.
Aboriginal Day Celebration set for June 21 Pages A18-A23
Haida Gwaii Longhouse grand opening Page B1
G
STIN EW LI
N
314 11th Ave East $148,500
The Kitsumkalum First Nation is threatening to put a halt to liquefied natural gas projects on the North Coast unless the province a c c o m m o d at e s their concerns. Kitsumkalum Chief Don Roberts said the LNG projects including the BG Group terminal on Ridley Island and the Pacific NorthWest LNG terminal on Lelu - Chief Don Roberts Island - are on their territory, but the government is simply not including the nation in discussions. “We are part of the Tsimshian Nation. We own sites on the coast. We have been there from the beginning of time and we are still there,” he said. See LNG on Page A2
City fined $50,000 for Watson Island spill BY SHAUN THOMAS PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
A black liquor spill from Watson Island back in 2012 has proven costly for the City of Prince Rupert. The city has been fined $50,000 after pleading guilty on June 5 to one count of the release of deleterious substance into fish-bearing waters. Back on Jan. 21, 2012, approximately 28,054 U.S. gallons of weak black liquor spilled into Porpoise Harbour. “The City of Prince Rupert reported to the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) that a spill of black liquor — a toxic product in the pulp process — had occurred from the closed pulp mill into Porpoise Harbour. Environment Canada receives spill reports from PEP,”
“Enforcement officers will continue to conduct regular inspections.” - Mark Johnson explained Environment Canada spokesperson Mark Johnson, noting the maximum fine under the Fisheries Act for such an offence is $300,000. Samples of the spill were collected and found to be toxic to Rainbow Trout, resulting in charges being laid on Dec. 12, 2013. Of the $50,000 total, $5,000 is a fine under the Fisheries Act while the rest will be targeted
for future cleanup. “The $45,000 penalty will help remove some of the priority chemicals of concern from the Watson Island site, and as part of their regular duties, Environment Canada’s enforcement officers will continue to conduct regular inspections of sites like Watson Island to ensure ongoing compliance with the pollution provisions of the Fisheries Act,” said Johnson. “Chemicals of priority to Environment Canada are those that are known to be deleterious to fish, are of significant volume, and are located where there is a likelihood that a release to fish bearing waters may occur.” According to Environment Canada, removal of the identified chemicals from Watson Island is to be completed by December 31, 2015.
Gord Kobza
The Power of Experience Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. As a licensed realtor with over 25 years of experience, whether you are selling or buying, I am here to guide you through every phase of the process with skill and integrity. For a free consultation please call or e-mail me today. I look forward to helping you find the perfect home!
www.gordonkobza.com
250.624.9298 Suite 6 - 342 3rd Ave W. info@gordonkobza.com