November 22, 2013 Jim Crandles, Planning Director Port Metro Vancouver Re: Port Metro Vancouver Environmental

Impact Assessment Dear Mr. Crandles, The BC Nurses Union has serious concerns regarding the environmental impact assessment (EIA) recently released by Port Metro Vancouver. We support the call by the Lower Mainlands chief medical health officers that another thorough report be conducted on the proposed expansion of a coal-export terminal at the Fraser Surrey Docks. BCNU, which represents over 40,000 licensed and regulated nurses across the province, is acutely aware of the alarming health risks associated with coal dust. We support the request to undertake a health impact and environmental assessment that meets local and international standards. We are extremely concerned that the latest EIA report fails to adequately address the human health impacts associated with the project. It is also alarming that the assessment focused primarily on the terminal, rather than the full geographic area that may be under threat including Texada Island, White Rock and South Surrey. We concur with chief medical health officers, Dr. Patricia Daly and Dr. Paul Van Buynder suggestion that they, as health officers, are well placed to work with Port Metro Vancouver on a proper, comprehensive assessment of public health risks. The just released EIA report was conducted by consultants SNC Lavalin under Fraser Surrey Docks direction. Their research imperatives and interests would likely differ from the public Health Officers perspective. BCNU does not believe the latest EIA report goes far enough in answering important, valid questions about the increased risks coal dust can have on people, communities and the environment. We strongly encourage Port Metro Vancouver to listen to the concerns of health professionals, the public and all levels of government, and ask that you conduct the thorough and appropriate examination a project of this size deserves and requires. The significant risks associated with the transportation of raw resources through densely populated regions are well-documented. BCNU feels it is vital that before any plans for a coal-export terminal at Fraser Surrey Docks move forward, that the health and well-being of thousands of citizens who are directly or indirectly impacted, remains the top priority. Sincerely, Via E-mail

Debra McPherson, President, BC Nurses Union c.c.

Christine Sorensen, Vice President, BC Nurses Union

Dr. Patricia Daly, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Van Buynder, Fraser Health Authority Chief Medical Health Officer Sally Stewart, Communities and Coal Coalition

4060 REGENT STREET, BURNABY, B.C. V5C 6P5 / WWW.BCNU.ORG / 604-433-2268 / TOLL FREE 1-800-663-9991 cp/cope 378