Update: August 20th, 2004 ~

Another great turnout at last night’s meeting - 90+ attending, including more new people.

A delegation from our committee met with Minister Brenda Fowlie on Aug.17th. We presented ourselves as having grave concerns for the welfare of the Grand Lake watershed. She reiterated her mandate as the guardian of all NB environments, Grand Lake included. The Minister indicated the project is still in the screening phase. She said this process is a long one, and might go on for 1 to 1.5 years, or more. The technical review committee must first finish its job, namely; all outstanding questions must be answered satisfactorily, before any decision is made. We named our concerns about flaws, gaps and discrepancies in the proposal. She encouraged us to continue providing the Department of Environment with questions we have regarding gaps in the data, flaws in procedure or unanswered public questions. She will consider having a staff member come to a later meeting to describe the process. An informal liaison will continue between Randy (for the citizens’ committee) and the project director from the Department, now with the Minister’s blessings.

A delegation is scheduled to meet with Liberal leader, Shawn Graham on Sept. 7th.

The 15,000 flyers we distributed are creating lots of phone calls and e-mails, including some from scientific and public relations experts who offer us their expertise. Many people are still “just hearing about the proposal, and are in disbelief.

Work continues in efforts to get national media attention. An advertising campaign is planned and we are on the way to developing a website.

Environmental Impact: The combination of blue heron, tuckerman sedge (endangered flora), salmonoid and trout (fish found down stream from the effluent), along with concerns about the cumulative effect of chemicals, should raise another flag that a full Environmental Impact Assessment of the area should be carried out.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, Sept. 9th, 7 pm ~Cumberland Bay Fire Hall Everybody Welcome!

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