The ministers of Environment and Energy and Mines have approved the Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant project, located 27 kilometres from Prince George.

The decision was based on a review by the Environmental Assessment Office, which examined whether the project would result in adverse environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects.

“In making our decision, we considered the Environmental Assessment Office’s assessment report and recommendations, and whether the Province met its duty to consult with Aboriginal groups,” said Minister of Environment Mary Polak. “We are confident that the 25 legally enforceable conditions will ensure that the project will be constructed, operated and decommissioned in a way that ensures no significant adverse effects are likely to occur.”

More information can be found at: http://ow.ly/DDEF307jaQS

To address air quality, visual aesthetics, traffic and noise concerns raised by the public during the assessment, Graymont Western Canada Inc. will be required to establish a Community Advisory Committee to receive information about how Graymont is managing impacts of the project, including air quality, groundwater and surface water quality, wildlife, visual aesthetics, public access and noise management. The committee will also provide a venue for the community and Graymont to discuss and address concerns about the project.

Graymont will also need to obtain other necessary permits and authorizations before the project can proceed.

British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Office neutrally administers a process that offers significant opportunities for Aboriginal groups, government agencies and the public to influence the outcome of Environmental Assessments by providing input on the potential for environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects from a proposed project.