As you are no doubt aware, the federal environmental review panel hearings are under way in WIlliams Lake, British Columbia over the fate of Teztan Biny/Fish Lake.
Time is short, so we’re cutting to the chase. The experts needed to testify on behalf of the Tsilhqot’in – with evidence that will convince the independent panel that the Taseko mine plan is deeply flawed and dangerous – must do so by August 1st.
We are half-way there in terms of raising the funds needed to cover the costs of getting the experts to the panel hearings! Donors have generously given $35,000 to cover the costs of flying these renowned voices in. Many have worked at reduced rates, but there are still hard costs like flights, accommodation and meals to pay for. Plus there are the costs of having most of the Tsilhqot’in leadership living in Williams Lake for several weeks. Please consider assisting today. No donation is too small.
Starting today, the key evidence will be presented on geology and hydrogeology. That continues through to Saturday. On Monday, July 29th and Tuesday, July 30th the panel hears about aquatic environment. Terrestrial environment evidence is presented on July 31, and human environment on August 1.
These experts are crucial. They present their reports giving both the objective details, and providing the subjective context. It’s all very well to have written submissions but because there is cross-examination by Taseko’s executive and legal team, it is absolutely crucial to have the top scientific experts there to refute Taseko’s aggressive stance.
Below are some examples of the excellent papers that have already been presented. These submissons clearly demonstrate a range of flawed assumptions and inadequate detail within the Environmental Impact Statement that Taseko submitted as its claim that the New Prosperity mine plan could proceed.
Here’s a link to audio of Marc Pinkoski’s presentation to the CEAA Panel. It starts about the 47 minute mark. http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p63928/91315E.MP3 He speaks about rights and title, gave anthropological evidence, and about the duty to consult and need to accommodate.
Dr. Jonaki Bhattacharrya’s paper is now on the CEAA web-site.http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/p63928/91955E.pdf She presents on ethnoecology.
You can find ethnobotanist Dr. Nancy Turner’s report here:http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/p63928/91938E.pdf She also spoke to ethnoecological issues.
There are also important RAVEN-funded engineering and groundwater reports on the site. You can find all the presentations, both written and oral, through these sites. The technical reports on the EIS are increasingly devastating!
In addition to this somewhat urgent plea, we would also respectfully ask you to share this with your networks of like-minded family, friends and colleagues. Ultimately, we live on one planet. Let’s ensure we leave it in better shape than we came to it.
