B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has rejected an application for the Raven Coal Mine.

The project's proponent, Compliance Coal Corporation, applied for an environmental assessment certificate on April 4, 2013, after several years of preparation. Yesterday, the EAO sent a letter to Compliance president and CEO John Tapics stating that the application didn't include all the information required and would therefore not proceed to the next stage: a more detailed review and, following that, a public comment period.

The Raven mine has faced much opposition from Comox Valley residents concerned about its impact on drinking water and the local shellfish industry. It had become an election issue in a tight race that ultimately saw Liberal incumbent Don McRae regain his seat.

According to the EAO's evaluation, the application was missing information on key areas, including local drinking water impacts, consultation with First Nations, and plans for mine decommissioning and site remediation.

Compliance has the option of re-submitting its application, but for now, Wilderness Committee campaigner Torrance Coste is calling this "another indication that this mine doesn't belong on Vancouver Island."

Colleen Kimmett reports for The Tyee.