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Online meeting about proposed biofuel facility on SFN land set for Nov. 9

Virtual public information session starts at 6 p.m. Thursday
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One of multiple graphics included in an air-quality dispersion modelling report prepared by Tetra Tech Canada Inc. for Andion North America Ltd. regarding the biofuel facility proposed for Semiahmoo First Nation land in South Surrey.

An online public information session on the biofuel facility proposed for Semiahmoo First Nation land in South Surrey happens tonight (Thursday, Nov. 9) starting at 6 p.m.

Hosted by Andion Global, the evening Zoom meeting is open to anyone interested.

Many who signed up to be notified of a public meeting regarding the project have already received links to the online meeting, but people can still register for an invite to the session on the Andion website.

Those with questions are asked to submit them to event@andionglobal.com

Andion Global, in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation, is proposing to build the plant on four acres of SFN land adjacent to Highway 99, approximately one kilometre north of the Canada-U.S. border and 40 metres back from the highway itself.

News of the proposed facility has some South Surrey residents concerned, with many attending a protest at Peace Arch Park on Oct. 29, and a smaller, informal protest reportedly held on Monday, Nov. 6.

A website created by residents opposed to the facility – Clean Air Alliance – also has links to the virtual Zoom event.

The plant, if built, will annually divert some 70,000 tons of organic food waste from area landfills and incinerators, eliminate around 55,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, help avoid the use of 22,000 tons of chemical fertilizers, and generate 3.5 million gigajoules of renewable natural gas, or RNG, and generate jobs and revenue for the First Nation, say proponents.

READ MORE: Proposed biofuel plant good for the community, says SFN Chief Harley Chappell

Opponents say they’re worried about emissions from the facility, and cite the environment, health risks, safety, traffic and location as reasons why it shouldn’t be built at the South Surrey location.

READ MORE: South Surrey residents plan peaceful rally against biofuel project

Representatives of Metro Vancouver, SFN and Andion will be participating, an Andion spokesperson told Peace Arch News last month.

The meeting link may be found at andionglobal.com and at linkedin.com.

There will also be opportunity to ask questions during the meeting, the Andion spokesperson confirmed.

– with files from Tracy Holmes



Tricia Weel

About the Author: Tricia Weel

I’ve worked as a journalist in community newspapers from White Rock to Parksville and Qualicum Beach, to Abbotsford and Surrey.
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