This is my reply to recent letters to the editor (Ajax Will Change Kamloops and Forum Reveals New Ajax Operational Costs, The Daily News, Oct. 22). First, how have you determined that the citizens of Kamloops have accepted or rejected the Ajax project? Have you polled all these people?

I have some doubt in my mind that the pit will be as large as an inverted Mount Peter and Mount Paul. How did you come up with these calculations?

You obviously have not taken the time out of your very busy days to take a tour of Highland Valley Copper. Its Bethlehem pit is not filled with water spiked with toxic acid mine drainage and heavy metals.
At HVC, biologists are growing fish in large quantities and size. On to Jacko and Inks lakes — how have you come up with the millions of dollars these two lakes contribute to the local economy? (Millions are your words).

Inks Lake contains no fish, waterfowl do not nest there as the stagnant water contains a mineral that they do not like. The odd time in the winter, local people have used it for skating. No charge at both lakes, no economic benefit!

Had you taken the free tour you would know Ajax has no desire to disturb or take out part of Jacko Lake.
Also KGHM intends to build a large berm between the lake and the pit in order to protect it.

This letter is written because I’m tired of the innuendos, falsehoods and fear mongering that The Daily News is obliged to print on yours and others behalf.

I, along with others, am waiting patiently for the environmental assessment study currently underway before I put my stamp of approval on this project!

L.R. DUECK

Kamloops