Ref: 57093 August 3, 2000

Via Fax: (360) 956-2158
Deborah Ross, Chair
Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council
PO Box 43172
Olympia WA 98504-3172
USA

Dear Deborah Ross:

Re: Sumas 2 Proposal

I am writing to indicate that I cannot support the Sumas Energy 2-(SE2) Generating Facility as proposed. As you know, the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks has been participating in. the Lower Fraser Valley Air Quality Coordinating Committee's (LFVAQCC) review of the environmental impacts of this project for over a year. I'm very aware that the LFVAQCC has provided comments to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) several times during its review. Having been informed of some of the results of this work to date, and the concerns expressed by many British Columbians, I now want to outline the British Columbia government's views to EFSEC as this proposal moves through the public hearing stage.

Like Washington, British Columbia favours the development of `greener' power sources, such as wind and solar, with low environmental impacts, including indirect impacts from, greenhouse gas emissions. We also recognize, in the short term, that combined cycle natural gas turbines have a role to play for state of the art commercial power generation. However, decisions regarding the location of such facilities must take into account the environment in which they will operate.

It is well known that the Fraser Valley airshed is very sensitive. It already suffers from significant air quality and visibility issues. The province of British Columbia is currently engaged in efforts to improve air quality in the Fraser Valley and to protect the quality of life and health of its residents, Through projects like Westcoast Express, Skytrain and Air Care, the province has demonstrated a clear commitment to this objective.

With this in mind, I have reviewed the analysis produced to date, the information presented at the EFFSEC hearings so far, and the concerns expressed by residents over the last few months. I have also had several meetings and discussions with key stakeholders and community leaders. As a result, I have concluded that the air quality impacts and potential health risks posed by the proposed plant outweigh the benefits it would have for residents of the region. Therefore, I cannot support locating this plant in an airshed as sensitive as the Fraser Valley, and would respectfully request that the facility not be approved.

I understand that EFSEC will be making a recommendation about this project sometime in the fall, and sincerely hope British Columbia's position is given due consideration during these deliberations. I also look forward to continuing to work with you on the larger issues of cross border air quality, and remain committed to managing these airsheds in a way that protects the health and quality of life for residents on both sides of the border.

I want to assure you that Ministry staff will continue to work with the LFVAQCC, Washington State regulators, and EFSEC as your review of this project continues. I look forward to reviewing your final report sometime this fall, and sincerely hope that the concerns of residents on this side of the border are fully weighed in your deliberations.

Sincerely,

Joan M. Sawicki
Minister

cc:
The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Premier
The Honourable Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington
The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment
Mary Barrett, Washington Counsel for the Environment
George Puil, Chair, Greater "Vancouver Regional District
Randy Hawes, Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District
His Worship Mayor George Ferguson, City of Abbotsford