Yahk-current

ARCIVE

YAHK COMMUNITY PORTAL

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TERASEN THE NATURAL GAS AND WATER COMPANY has proposed compressor station in our community in conjunction to their proposal of the INLAND PACIFIC CONNECTOR PROJECT that will supply natural gas to the lower mainland and eventually to the Sumas washington project.

It is stalled in the Environmental Assessment process. Terasen (Kinder Morgan) have a total of five years to address our communities concerns of the compressor station. Please read on for History Correspondance. If you have any questions please contact or for Transcript of Meeting with Terasen please e-mail Penny A.P. Anderson.

Special Committee to address the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk. (Terasen Gas ) NOTE: KINDER MORGAN from Texas, USA has bought out the Terasen Company.

Current Status of BC gas’s application with the EAO April 4th 2003

This letter is the Official Position of the Communities Special Committee to address the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk. It was originally sent April 15th, 2002 to Ms. Marcia Farquhar; The EAO, Elvin Masuch; RDCK Area Director, the Premier, Bill Bennett; MLA, Blair Suffredine; MLA, & Donna McGeachie; BC Gas.

To: Marcia Farquhar, Ph.D.

April 15th, 2002

From the Members of the Special Committee addressing the proposed BC Gas Compressor Station in Yahk Ron Draper Penny A.P. Anderson, Monika Currier, Bill Currier, Alan Burt, Don Russet, Joyce Johnson. Yahk Kingsgate Community Planning Committee Contact: Penny A.P.Anderson 250-424-5596

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In regard to the BC Gas Compressor Station Proposal for Yahk

In order to legitimize our comments, we would like to start this submission with a little history about our Community Planning Process. In the spring of 1999, the Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society (our ‘town hall’) accepted the responsibility to develop on-going planning in the Moyie River Valley in BC. Our reluctance to accept the "general zoning formula" that has been applied to much of the rest of the rural area in the Regional District of Central Kootenay, was graciously accepted by the RDCK management and they have remained supportive of our efforts, offering us their experienced council and encouraging our responsible independence. Since then, our community has successfully built our own community fire hall in conjunction with the Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department based in Northern Idaho. This cross boundary fire department can be held up as an example of international co-operation and rural resourcefulness at a time when only larger populations have the tax base to be able to afford government supplied services. Our community has taken responsibility for our local heritage sites and trails in conjunction with the Trans-Canada Trail Foundation, BC Trails Foundation and the BC forest service, with co-operation and assistance of Tembec and Trans-Canada Pipelines. We have also initiated a stream renewal program for Hawkins Creek in which we have collected stream data under the guidance of Fisheries Renewal of British Columbia. We are presently meeting with the Range Users Association and the BC Forest Service Agricultural Leasing Division to examine our findings and address the huge deficit in stewardship of this important international drainage. Fisheries Renewal through their office in Cranbrook (contact Kenton Andreshuk) has approached our Community Planning Committee with the proposal that we partner with the community of Moyie to take on the stewardship of the Moyie River from Moyie Lake to the international boundary with the goal of cleaning up the many intrusions on the waterway from Agriculture, Forestry and Transportation activities. Our hope is to renew the native population of fish and stabilize the stream environment to protect their ongoing survival. This initiative is still in the discussion stages . . . Our community also has an extensive website built by an involved community volunteer in which we keep our citizens apprised of developments and educated on issues. About 35-40 percent of our community is actively "online" and uses this important resource to keep abreast of developments. As democratic legislative control should be, our ongoing planning process is (hopefully) responsive to development as it occurs. At this stage in our process, though we do not have specific zoning, we do have a vision of how our community should be laid out, and we will try to accommodate development proposals as they are presented. As a result, public consultation and participation is very important to us as it is an integral part of our approval process. We had a public meeting before the presentation by BC Gas to our community in which they planned to outline their plans to build a Natural Gas compressor station in Yahk. We circulated BC Gas's own questionnaire and compiled the results to help BC Gas representatives better understand the concerns in the community. We then formed a special committee, composed of community members, and reporting to the planning committee of the YKRS, sanctioned by the RDCK, to examine the ramifications of the proposal. We offered our findings in whole, in compiled format and in the form of a counterproposal which would alleviate most of our concerns. We made sure that this information was in the hands of the BC Gas representatives, well before their formal 'open house' and meeting, so they would be prepared and in a position to comment. In short, our findings were that the location of the compressor station was unacceptable due primarily to the fact that it was being located in a residential area, beside a major highway and a major railway, between which runs the Moyie River. We find the risk of further crowding our little one mile wide transportation corridor with this potential danger, in this location, is unacceptable. We also found that the noise level, while possibly acceptable in urban areas where noise is ubiquitous, is unacceptable in our area. We are very concerned with the amount of carbon monoxide and other identified emissions that will be ever present in our valley air as well as the light in the night sky that is unnatural and unwelcome in our community. However, we do have what we think is a very viable alternative . . . an alternative that BC Gas has indicated it will not consider unless the EAO questions or rejects the present proposed location. The attitude of our town is that we are British Columbians first and community members second. We appreciate the need to move our resources and though many of us don't even have the luxury of natural gas service, we understand its importance to our province. As a result, we are not saying "not in my back yard", rather "not right there in our back yard . . . over here"! About 60 people turned up to the open house meeting hosted by BC Gas on the 7th of April 2002. We only have about 200 adults in our planning area, and most of us are not near enough to be directly affected by the noise, however, we take our responsibility seriously and we expected to be taken seriously in return. The representatives showed a lack of concern for many of our issues and even answered one of the questions with the comment " Well . . . you chose to live here . . . " We consider this attitude reprehensible . . . Two other noteworthy points . . . The IPC Project assessment team in their Trans-boundary Environmental Assessment, identified Yahk as being the only station proposed that may reach reportable emission levels . . . a real concern for residents of a valley prone to inversions. Secondly, it appears that this same assessment team missed the fact that this line does in fact cross a trans-boundary watercourse within ten miles of the border, as it crosses the Moyie River just north Eastport Idaho where this river flows into the US. We are an active community comprised of mostly responsible citizens who are concerned about our environment and the impact of development on our area of jurisdiction. We seek constructive dialogue through proper channels, which requires that we be accepted as a having the right to a seat at the table in negotiations that affect our management area. We have the sanctioned right to police our own environment and we consider it our international duty to point out the dangers inherent in this proposal by BC Gas. We strongly object to this compressor station being built in the proposed location and we insist that our concerns be heard and factored into decisions. Our counter proposal involves some extra expenditure by BC Gas, but it will balance easily against the compensation that BC Gas will be facing should they continue on their present course. We request that you address our concerns by asking for a re-examination of the project. We would like to see proof from BC Gas that they have in fact done the surveys they claim to have done, and we desire public input into the ongoing proceedings and all it's ramifications.

Respectfully

David Finch For the Special Committee of the Community Planning Committee

in conjunction with

The Special Committee to Address the Compressor Issue

The most recent communication from our community to the EAO July 25th, 2002

CC to: Joyce Wagenaar, Donna McGeachie, Bill Manery; BC Gas, Troy Sirett; BC Gas Land Agent, Lawrence Pachal, Myrna Webb, Rick Farmer; TCP, , Bill Bennett, Blair Suffredine; MLA’s, Premier Gordon Campbell, The RDCK & Area Director Elvin Masuch, Unity Party Leader Chris Delaney, BC Utilities Commission, West Coast Environmental Law, Mary Anderson; DEQ Idaho, Robin Lee; Mayor of Keremeos, John Mathers; CEAA, Richard Gathercole; BC Public Interest Advocacy & Glen Purdy

With respect, please find a copy of a letter to the EAO from the community of Yahk/Kingsgate where we continue to outline our concerns about locating a compressor station in the midst of our very limited residential properties. At this time we urge you to become involved in this process and make your views known to the participants.

We understand the need to move gas to the lower mainland and we are not saying "Not In My Back Yard"! On the contrary. We have identified what we consider to be a very practical and workable alternative site, known as site 4, close by.

Please help us to find a solution that will not do irreparable harm to this tiny community and to the quality of life of its residents. We look forward to your active involvement in addressing our concerns.

Regards

Special Committee to address the Compressor Issue

July 25, 2002 TO: Marcia Farquhar

Marcia.Farquhar@gems2.gov.bc.ca

Project committee-Inland Pacific Connector Environmental Assessment Office Box 9426, Stn Prov. Govt. Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1 As citizens and taxpayers of British Columbia and Canada, we trust that all government agencies and ministries involved will be concerned and responsible for our safety and welfare in the matter of the BC Gas Inland Pacific Connector proposal. The proposal is for a 3 unit Compressor Station on lot 12 (site 2) in the community of Yahk/Kingsgate. We do not want to be casualties of this Governments commitment to streamline any proposal of the oil and gas industry. We are not saying do not build. We understand the value of the tax dollars and revenue this project will generate. This project is still possible through the community’s choice of site #4 or Kitchener. This alternative site will mean less new destruction to the environment and remove it from close proximity to people and their homes.

BC Gas is showing a distinct lack of concern for our community. To date, BC Gas has not mitigated any of our expressed concerns. It would appear that the only concern of BC Gas is getting the proposal through the governmental agencies at a minimum cost and maximum speed. The purpose for the proposed IPC has not been clearly defined. Communities throughout BC have received contrary information regarding the purposed use of the ‘Inland Pacific Connector’.

The odourant facility is also in question. BC Gas is sidestepping an important factor with the environmental assessment of this new facility. The assurance of ‘no leaks’ in the past 50 years does not fare well since there has been a leaking problem for years with little response of our community’s complaints. BC Gas is ‘fixing the problem’ under the direction of the EAO. BC Gas and Trans Canada Pipeline should be able to fix the existing leakage problem without taking valuable land away from our community’s future population base. BC Gas has stated in it’s own literature the criteria of the company is not to scar any more than needed lands and to utilize existing right-of-ways? Has TCP involvement with this proposal been amended? In an e-mail to our committee from Joyce Wagenaar; BC Gas Community Relations Liaison, she indicated an 8 x12 ft. odourant facility will be constructed with the possibility of a transmission building at a later date. Can BC Gas clarify a letter written by Bill Manery to Marcia Farquhar at the EAO date May 9th, 2002? The first paragraph could read that the proposed Compressor station will be constructed on the two lots purchased from John Zolynsky adjacent to proposed site #2. We have recently received information that suggests BC Gas may already be pumping gas in the reverse direction, shipping gas into the Trans Canada Pile Lines for export to the USA. We also understand that under NAFTA such exports are irreversible if this is true it contradicts assurances given to us by BC Gas that this is not the reason for putting a compressor station in Yahk and that there are no plans to ship gas out of the province. It would indeed be unfortunate if any application for a rate increase due to a shortage of gas, came before the utilities Commission and it was learned that BC Gas created the shortage by exporting the gas. BC Gas has not mitigated any of our concerns as indicated to Elvin Masuch; RDCK Director, Area C. Every study to date can be countered by our preliminary studies. Briefly: Noise -BC Gas studies were not done near the homes of the people. -Need clarification of BC Gas study i.e. Noise base? Air dispersion -Cranbrook is wrong comparative model. -Modelling must be done at the specified location over an extended period of time. Our investigation indicates at least 1–3 years. Land Values -Based on comparative market analysis, not property assessment. -Lands around oil and gas facilities have been purchase through those companies to appear that no actual negative effects have occurred. -Kitchener subdivision has not been able to sell adjacent land across from BC Gas facility. (Adjacent meaning across a road from a facility.) -Langley residences are upset over the Compressor station and BC Gases methods of public consultation. Other issues -recognize our community planning -tourism, recreation, and visual quality -clear future plans -socio-economic -physical and mental health -Study for fine particulates and effects -National Security, Terrorist issue. Our community strongly objects to how these studies were conducted. It is our request to have an arms length company performing any further studies. We have given BC Gas an alternative location, site #4, a flat open clear-cut landscape, close proximity to Trans Canada Pipeline, road access, and on top of a hill for better distribution of pollutants. This site gives BC Gas the opportunity to continue to do business with the backing of the community. The alternative, a lengthy legal and public battle that none of us wants, especially when there are two alternatives; site #4 and Kitchener. However, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our area and protecting the future of our community. We look forward to your active involvement in addressing our concerns.

Sincerely, The Special Committee to Address the Compressor Issue

cc: Joyce Wagenaar, Donna McGeachie, Bill Manery; BC Gas, Troy Sirett; BC Gas Land Agent, Lawrence Pachal, Myrna Webb, Rick Farmer; TCP, , Bill Bennett, Blair Suffredine; MLA’s, Premier Gordon Campbell, The RDCK & Area Director Elvin Masuch, Unity Party Leader Chris Delaney, BC Utilities Commission, West Coast Environmental Law, Mary Anderson; DEQ Idaho, Robin Lee; Mayor of Keremeos, John Mathers; CEAA, Richard Gathercole; BC Public Interest Advocacy & Glen Purdy

For more information

Inland Pacific Connector Project BC GAS

Environmental Assessment Office EAO

Letters supporting our communities effort to relocate the proposed compressor station

The complete transcripts from the BC Gas Open House and Public Information Meeting held

April 3rd 2002in Yahk.

In regard to the proposed compressor station, about 40 concerned citizens turned up for the Town Hall Meeting in Yahk on Wednesday, March 27th. The BC GAS Open House & Public Information Meeting ~ Wed. April 3rd was attended by 60 local residents.

~ Write your own Letters & Emails ~

Project Committee Chair, IPC Project Review

Environmental Assessment Office

PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria BC V8W 9V1

Telephone: (250) 356-7484

Fax: (250) 356-6448

E-mail: Marcia.Farquhar@gems2.gov.bc.ca

bill.bennett.mla@leg.bc.ca

blair.suffredine.mla@leg.bc.ca

premier@gov.bc.ca

Fax to John Kettle RDCK Area Director 250-428-4050

Contact the RDCK rdck@rdck.bc.ca

Fax 250 352-9300

To comment directly to BC Gas in regard to the Inland Pacific Connector Pipeline Project contact:

Joyce Wagenaar, Community Relations Officer

Direct Line: 1-604-592-7682

Phone: 604-443-6553

BC toll free: 1-888-773-9333 (7:30AM to 4PM, M-F).

Email: jwagennar@bcgas.com

Mailing address 16705 Fraser Highway, Surrey, B.C., V3S 2X7

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The following letter is the BC Gas response to comments made at the April 3rd BC Gas Open House. Bill Currier and other local residents expressed grave concern at the lack of response from BC Gas in regard to odours from the nearby odourant facility. See the transcripts from the meeting.

April 22, 2002

Dear Resident: On April 3, 2002, BC Gas held an Open House in Yahk at the Yahk-Kingsgate Community Hall regarding a natural gas compressor station, which is part of the proposed Inland Pacific Connector Pipeline project. BC Gas benefited greatly from the vast amount of public comment received during the public meeting, in regards to the proposed project and also about our operations in the area. Particularly, BC Gas is very concerned that residents mentioned they had experienced difficulty contacting BC Gas to report gas odours from the BC Gas odourant facility in Yahk. (link to transcripts of discussions from meeting) We would like to ensure that local residents have the appropriate contact information to report gas odours or to speak to someone at BC Gas. To report gas odours: Call the toll free number listed in the Yahk telephone directory 1-800-663-9911. The number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will dispatch the BC Gas personnel on call in the area who will respond immediately. To contact Community Relations or For general information about BC Gas contact 1-888-773-9333 (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday) BC Gas is aware that odourant from the facility can periodically be detected in Yahk. At the facility, mercaptan, a non-toxic odourant is added to the gas as required by code to ensure early detection of natural gas leaks. This also provides public and employee safety. We are planning upgrades to the facility to utilize the latest technology ensuring odours from facility are not noticeable in Yahk. We hope to begin the upgrade this year. In the meantime, if you detect a gas odour, you should contact us immediately. BC Gas is committed to resolving this situation as quickly as possible. Sincerely, Joyce Wagenaar Community Relations Officer (604) 592-7682

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STAY INFORMED

Contact members of the local committee who are addressing the issue.

Our local committee comes under the Community Planning Committee of our local umbrella non-profit; The Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society.

Members of the committee are Penny A.P. Anderson, Monika Currier, Bill Currier, Alan Burt, Don Russet, Joyce Johnson

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Take me back to the home page for Yahk

THE YAHK KINGSGATE RECREATION SOCIETY