Update: October16, 2004

Upwards of 70 people were on hand for a presentation by David McGuire, Pierre Doucet and Paul Vanderlaan from the Dept. of Environment and Local Government, who explained the difference between an Environmental Impact Assessment and a Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. One significant difference is in the degree of public input. Much more input is afforded by the comprehensive EIA. The comprehensive EIA also ensures that all environmental concerns are addressed and mitigation or compensation for such concerns is in place prior to the start of the project.

This knowledge moved the group to considering a multi-pronged strategy. The chairman is committed to pursuing a comprehensive EIA in the hopes that it will convince all concerned that the Grand Lake Watershed is too vulnerable for such a project. Others are looking seriously at alternative action. They were encouraged to seek legal council prior to action, and assured that the committee as a whole would support them.

Randy reported on the Charlo conference. He was able to make some important networking contacts with other New Brunswickers who are battling environmental issues.

Environmental groups and representatives from the business community attended a one-day workshop hosted by the Dept. of Environment and Local Government concerning the future of the EIA process. A report on this workshop can be found on our website.

Wayne Kennedy reported that he visited the proposed location for phase 2 (which is now being proposed as the initial cell location). He reported seeing no evidence of well drilling or other kinds of preliminary work.

The newspaper article and advertisement are nearing completion. When complete, they will appear in newspapers and on our website

The committee is indebted to Tony Goodheart for creating our informative website. It will be up and running on Monday, Oct. 18th. Check it out, at www.savethelake.info

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, Nov. 4th 7 pm Cumberland Bay Fire Hall. Our guest speaker will be Inka Milewski from the NB Conservation Council.

*************Everyone Welcome*************

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