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EAO seeks public comments on proposed Bamberton quarry expansion

Many in area want full environmental assessment of project
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The province’s Environmental Assessment Office is looking for public comments on plans by the Malahat Investment Corporation to expand it quarry in Bamberton (pictured). (File photo)

People who want to comment to the province’s Environmental Assessment Office on controversial plans by the Malahat Investment Corporation to expand its Bamberton quarry near Mill Bay have until Feb. 14 to do so.

The proposed 47 per cent size increase to the quarry that would see a significant escalation of its production is not big enough to automatically require an environmental assessment, but the EAO is reviewing a formal request to conduct one.

People can learn more about the project and tell the EAO what is important to them by going to gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments.

The EAO will also hold a virtual information session on the project on Feb. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m..

To register for the session, also go to gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments.

RELATED STORY: TWO PROJECTS PROPOSED IN BAMBERTON RAISE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

The Malahat Investment Corporation, which is owned and operated by the Malahat First Nation, is also proposing an expansion of its foreshore further into the Saanich Inlet.

The Saanich Inlet Protection Society and other community and environmental groups in the area have been urging the province to carry out a full environmental assessment of the two controversial land development applications.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has recently decided to delay the approval process for both projects pending a review of the society’s request to see if an environmental assessment is warranted, and to receive more public input on the proposed projects.