North Cowichan’s suite rules, enforcement hurting homeowners: resident Weekend of fun just part of Canucks Autism Network program in Valley
NEWS, Page 10 LIVING, LI IVING,, Page g 14
FRIDAY
GOODMAN SET TO HELP CANADA QUALITY FOR JUNIOR WORLD CUP /25
Serving the Cowichan Valley
www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Friday, February 5, 2016
Halalt files suit against province, feds over mill The Halalt First Nation has filed civil claims with the Supreme Cour t of British Columbia against the provincial and federal governments, demanding that both governments protect their ancestral lands from the dioxin pollution emitted by the paper mill in Crofton. Last month, Halalt filed a separate $2 billion lawsuit against Catalyst Paper Corporation, the mill’s operators, claiming that the company has refused to adopt technology that would reduce air and water pollution generated by the Crofton mill. Jeffrey Rath, legal counsel to Halalt First Nation, said the mill’s burning of hog fuel — unrefined wood byproduct or waste such as bark chips and wood fibre — hasn’t changed since it began operations in 1957. “They [Halalt] want Canada and British Columbia to look at all the permits that have been issued to Catalyst Paper Corporation with regards to water releases and air emissions and suspend operation
of those permits in the event that Catalyst does not agree to change its method of operation, to completely cease the burning of hog fuel and convert its burners at the plant 100 per cent to natural gas,” he said. Rath emphasized there are alternatives to Catalyst’s current practices. “They may cost somewhat more, but obviously one of the reasons Halalt is engaged with the government in challenging the Catalyst permit is that the economics of the plant could obviously be greatly changed were the governments to provide Catalyst with tax credits or subsidies,” Rath said. “That would allow the conversion to natural gas from hog fuel burning to take place in a manner that wouldn’t affect Catalyst’s return on investment or bottom line.” Halalt is currently seeking unspecified damages from the provincial and federal governments, monetary amounts to be proven at trial. See MILL OPERATION, Page 4
Chief James Thomas, left, of Halalt First Nation says the provincial and federal governments should also be held to account for the environmental impacts the Crofton paper mill has had on their territory. [JAMES GOLDIE/CITIZEN]
3
7403007
JAMES GOLDIE CITIZEN