Environment and Parks
ministry headquarters in Victoria today:
"The Ministry of Environment recognizes the public's concern around the proposal for a soil
remediation facility located in the Cowichan Valley which is why public consultation was
initiated in May 2012 and later extended twice. It is important to note that these facilities are
essential to allow sustainable development of previous industrial sites in BC but they must
adhere to strict environmental standards.
The public consultation period ended yesterday with 300 submissions received from local
government, First Nations, health officials and members of the general community.
Technical staff will now take the time necessary to review any and all new information as
contained in the submissions as part of the due diligence required to meet the ministry's legal
obligation to consider the application from South Island Aggregates to remediate contaminated soil.
This proposal is not about government directing soils to the CVRD. This project is a private
development proposed by a business in the CVRD. The province has a regulatory role and as
such takes no position for or against this proposal.
Ministry staff are the statutory evidence‐based decision makers and, as such, the decision is
kept at arm's length from the political process. The role of the ministry is to look at the
proposed project, and any associated environmental controls, and assess whether the
environmental risks are appropriately managed and that the proposal conforms to legislation.
Staff engaged in the authorization process are professionals with many years experience in
assessing these types of applications, and decisions of this kind are informed by advice from
other ministries with related expertise.
As well, reports and assessments prepared in support of the application must be prepared by
qualified professionals with sufficient expertise in the areas under consideration.
As Minister of Environment, I expect this decision to reflect the scientific evidence presented
by, and reviewed by, experts as well as rigorous monitoring and compliance conditions to
protect the environment.
It should also be noted that land use planning is controlled wholly by municipalities through
zoning. Industrial grade soils are considered suitable for reuse at industrial zoned sites such asthe SIA gravel quarry. In order for a project like this to proceed, it must conform to local zoningrequirements. Communities that wish to restrict certain activities on the local land base can usezoning bylaws for that purpose.
Should a permit be issued to SIA, the Environmental Appeal Board process is available to those who object to the decision."
Contact:
Ministry of Environment
Communications
250 953‐3834
