An evaluation of the guidelines for coal development, British Columbia

In 1976, the British Columbia government established a Coal Development Guidelines (CDG) program with the goal of directing coal-mining development in a rational and comprehensively planned manner through procedures established to appraise impacts. An evaluation of the program, dealt with in this thesis, showed that, during seven years of rapid economic growth, 20 B.C. coal mines were appraised, yet the CDG program remained formally unchanged. The researcher designed an evaluation study model which included profiles of the program's policy, historical, and institutional contexts. Three mine project proposals— Line Creek, Greenhills, and Sukunka—were used as case studies to provide evidence of program actions. Seven critiques assembled by various authors were reviewed and compared for common elements, contradictions, and ambiguities, A sample of 23 government and corporate representatives involved in the program was interviewed and their responses to a questionnaire were analysed to determine program outcomes. The adequacy of the CDG program was to be determined from the criteria developed within the study model. The findings indicated a range of concerns over the adequacy of the CDG program in meeting its goal. Overall program adequacy was not determined, however, because of changes in the economic and social climate and the diversity of interests which precluded a clear conclusion. A limitation to program adequacy was identified which came from two planning processes that operated for coal development appraisal—the official, multi-participant guidelines and and unofficial, internal, public-sector planning process. It was observed that often the guidelines were not followed in actual decision-making. Program actions were frequently adequate, however, in terms of the specific planning documentation. The unexpected outcome of varied individual attitudes toward program credibility suggested that major program revisions may be necessary. Possibilities for program change, with their implications, were identified. An utilization-based evaluation was recommended for within the provincial government.Science, Faculty ofResources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute forGraduat