Ajax review resumes, extra time added

Mar 30, 2017 | 3:50 PM

KAMLOOPS — The clock is ticking once again on the KGHM-Ajax environmental review.

Project Assessment Manager Tracy James of the BC Environmental Assessment Office says the 180-day review process, which was paused last year at Day 107, has begun again after the EAO received necessary additional documentation from the company.

KGHM-Ajax had been asked to provide the documentation as a response to thousands of public comments posed during an initial 30-day public comment period.

James adds the EAO has decided to lengthen the review process by adding an additional 110 days, allowing it to co-ordinate with the federal government.

“That is because we are going to align with the federal government timelines. We are running a coordinated review — have been for years. We are going to, within the extra time, also add a 30-day public comment period before we refer the project to the provincial ministers,” said James.

James says additional Ajax documentation will be made available on the BC EAO website before the end of the business day Thursday.

She adds the company has been very co-operative providing the EAO with the materials it asked for at the time the review was suspended.