Arash ernie’ Bataan nt ante L Da Y

nm

Brief to the Province of British Columbia - continued

4. Finally, we would note that proper control of environmental degradation and
concomitant protection of the rights of citizens at work and play depends not only
upon legislation but upon administrative intent to enforce it. In this regard we
bring to your attention a flat footed contradiction in statements made to us by
officials of the Pollution Control Branch. In October, 1971, the City of Port
Coquitlam requested leave to present a brief similar to the above to the Public
Inquiry into Waste Discharges from the Mining, Mine-milling and Smelting Industries.

In November, 1971, we were refused and told that "the gravel industry will not be

included among those industries considered" (Appendix C). In March, 1973 we

requested up to date information on relevant legislation re this brief. We were
told that "Acceptable levels of waste material in effluents and emissions from
gravel extraction operation, while not specifically named, are covered in the
attached objectives for mining, mine~milling and smelting...." (Appendix D). To our
surprise the "Attached objectives" were from the earlier public hearing.that the
gravel industry had been "Specifically excluded" fron.

We would hope that the fresh approach of your Government would firm the resolve of

the Pollution Control Branch and prevent a repetition cf this somewhat offhanded

response to our previous submissions.

Respectfully,