Coal trucks a big issue
Community meeting reveals concerns about trucking
A local councillor says it is a good sign that Kameron Collieries is considering alternatives to trucking its coal.
“They know they have to find an alternative because trucking is just not feasible,” said Dist. 8 Coun. Amanda McDougall.
Trucking coal from Donkin Mine was the main issue at a community meeting Thursday night at the Royal Canadian Legion in Port Morien.
“For the volume of coal production they are anticipating in the future, even if the infrastructure we have is upgraded, it would never be able to withstand the volume of trucking needed,” she said.
“The mine (officials) indicated they’d be willing to look into another solution but (first) they need to start turning a profit before making another investment. It was a welcomed suggestion so that is a good sign.”
According to McDougall there were about 100 people at the meeting.
“There were a lot of good questions and I thought it was interesting seeing where people where from, Glace Bay communities, Donkin and Port Morien. We were really covering all the areas of concern which was great,” she said, adding the company’s lack of consultation with the public was also a concern raised.
The coal trucks travel the Long Beach Road and the service and delivery trucks use the Donkin Highway.
McDougall said the possibility of rail transportation was also brought forward.
Claude Peach, a resident of Long Beach Road, has been advocating against trucking coal mainly because he believes the roads are not suitable for the big trucks and he is also concerned about the safety of residents.
Peach said he thought it was a good meeting.
“Everybody has the same opinion, the trucks are too big for the roads. Everyone is scared to death of these trucks and don’t think this is the right solution.”
Peach said mine officials suggested that until the business turns a profit, they would consider a loop system utilizing both Long Beach Road and the Donkin Highway, which would alleviate half the traffic. All trucks could go in one way and out the other way.
Officials from the trucking company Seaboard also attended the meeting, but
Peach has no issues with the company itself.
“We just feel these aren’t the proper trucks for this type of road.”
Donkin Mine vice-president Shannon Campbell said they are always prepared to meet with residents to discuss operations, listen to concerns and answer questions.
“I think (Thursday) was a good example of how productive and respectful our relationship is with the community,” he said. “We look forward to continuing this dialogue.”