Woodfibre LNG is one step closer to reality after Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman and Environment Minister Mary Polak issued the project an environmental assessment certificate, the provincial government announced October 26.
The decision about the project, which is located on the site of the former Woodfibre pulp mill seven km southwest of Squamish, comes following a review by the province’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and is subject to several conditions.
“Receiving environmental approval in British Columbia is not only an important milestone for the Woodfibre LNG project, but it means the people of Squamish and the region are one step closer to realizing the opportunities that an industrial project like Woodfibre LNG can bring,” said Woodfibre LNG Ltd. vice-president, corporate affairs Byng Giraud.
Some of the main conditions for the approval include mitigating and monitoring impacts to marine animals, marine water quality and fish and fish habitats. The project must also develop plans for managing traffic to minimize disruptions during construction and monitor impacts to marine users.
Woodfibre LNG must also assess the effects of wakes from LNG carriers and continue to consult with First Nations and the public throughout the process.
Earlier this month, the Squamish First Nation granted a Squamish environmental certificate to the project. This approval is subject to 25 conditions, including a benefits agreement with the Squamish, which has not been negotiated.
The Squamish First Nation has not yet granted approval to Fortis BC, which would build all pipeline infrastructure to transport gas to the facility.
The EAO approval comes through a substituted environmental assessment, which means it followed a single process that fulfills all requirements at both the federal and provincial levels.
“The federal minister and provincial ministers make separate decisions on whether to approve the project based on the environmental assessment report prepared by the EAO,” the provincial Ministry of Environment said in a release.
The federal environmental assessment decision has not yet been announced, but it is expected later this year.
- With files from Nelson Bennett
