Coal Plant Company Meeting With Landowners

By 250 News

The company proposing a coal gasification plant just south of Quesnel says addressing landowners' concerns is its top priority.

Westhawk Development Corporation is proposing a coal mine and gasification plant, that would employ 280 people, in a ranching area south of the city.  The Company's Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Mark Hart, says gasification is a technology that would take an abundant supply of coal and turn it into clean, efficient electricity and deisel fuels.  He says the plant would offer up fuel diversification and, "It's something that we're hearing a lot that the province wants and needs, so we're hear to supply that technology."

In light of the proposed development, approximately 350 people turned out to a public meeting hosted by NDP MLA Bob Simpson in Quesnel last week.  Most in attendance opposed the development and several ranchers announced they would be mounting a formal petition. (click here, for full details)

Dr. Hart admits, right now, the "social piece" of the development triangle is the number one issue.  However, Hart says rather than hosting a series of public meetings at this point, Westhawk is, "having one-on-one contact, which is more private, and that's important for the landowner.  For us to have private meetings with the landowners."

Dr. Hart says, "We have to find a solution to work through with various landowners and that's what we're in the process of doing right now."  He says Westhawk wants to resolve residents' concerns before going forward and talking to other business groups critical to this "sustainable development initiative".

(To read Peter Ewart's view article on the proposed development, click here)

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