Editors Note; For those that do not know, the Nanaimo Regional District along with the City of Nanaimo have given support to a proposed airport expansion (even though they have no jurisdiction over this airport) that, of course, entails a runway extension. This extension goes right over the top of one of the largest aquifers on the Island. This aquifer is directly connected to the Nanaimo River. They interplay with one another - when the river is low, the aquifer feeds the river, and when the river is high, the river feeds the aquifer.
This is not the only problem! The expansion is on ALR land!
The letter below was sent to all elected officials in all areas by Lavonne Garnett as it appears that a long-awaited report from the Nanaimo Airport Commission as requested by the Agricultural Land Commission, on repercussion to the Cassidy Aquifer prior to construction beginning, has not been forthcoming.

To All Concerned:

On April 28, I observed and obtained photos (see attachments) of the ALR torn apart for the Nanaimo airport expansion. It is very disheartening to see almost the entire field of topsoil disturbed and likely ruined for any possible agricultural use. More disturbing is the sight of emerging ponds of water. It appears that the “deconstruction” has not hit oil, but the Cassidy aquifer! Barely a meter below the surface I would guess. How serious is the VIU DRASTIC study’s assessment of the Cassidy aquifer for a “red zone of vulnerability?” Why does it seem to have been ignored? There has been no rain over the past few weeks, so the sight of water is alarming. It reminds me that I have not received a response from the ALC in regard to my requests to see the NAC’s required plan to protect the aquifer.

My greatest concern extends further to the lack of process in following through on the requirements of environmental reviews and protections in this province. As I see the devastation of our forests from unbridled forestry practices, the mammoth proposal for hydro power through the damming of an abundance of rivers, plans for a pipeline from the Alberta oil fields through our northland, and proposed widespread large housing developments that have no regard for our natural landscapes, I see a need for a change in the direction that BC carries on its business.

All of us are responsible for our environment. I would like to know how you are going to address these concerns. First and foremost, what steps will you take to ensure that no harm will come to our Cassidy aquifer that lies underneath the Nanaimo airport?

Deeply concerned,

Lavonne Garnett
Nanaimo, BC