An application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate has been submitted by Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. (Coastal GasLink) to the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).
On 12th March 2014, the 180 day EAO public review period began, which includes a 45 day period where the public can provide comments on the application.
The proposed project involves the construction and operation of an approximately 650 km natural gas pipeline from the Groundbirch area near Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to the proposed LNG Canada liquefied natural gas export facility near Kitimat, British Columbia.
Application
Coatal GasLink's application consists of 7200 pages of text, maps and tables. The required content of the application was developed through a public process that generated the Application Information Requirements (AIR) issued by the EAO in May 2013. The AIR process included a public comment period, open houses, and input from the EAO working group whose members represent federal, provincial, and local government and Aboriginal groups.
Beginning on 29th January, 2014 the application was subjected to a 30 day completeness review by the EAO and the working group. The completeness review ensured that the application met all the Application Information Requirements.
The 45 day public comment period runs from 21st March to 4th May, 2014. The EAO will prepare a report based on its internal review of the application, input from the working group, as well as comments received from the public, and submit recommendations on the proposed Project to the Government of British Columbia.
Public comment is sought to ensure that all potential adverse effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health - are identified and considered as part of the assessment process.
Coastal Gaslink pipeline project
Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada Pipelines Limited. The project was launched on 5th June, 2012 with Aboriginal and community engagement beginning immediately thereafter.
Coastal GasLink conducted over 150 000 hours of environmental, engineering and construction field work on or near the proposed pipeline route.
Coastal GasLink gathered information about current and traditional land use, social and economic conditions and community priorities in the project area. Pending regulatory approval, start of construction is anticipated in 2015 - 2016, with the pipeline in-service by the end of the decade, and is subject to a Final Investment Decision by LNG Canada and its sponsors.
Coastal GasLink will provide long-term economic benefits for both British Columbia, and Canada, including:
- Job Opportunities - An estimated 2000 - 2500 jobs during construction and 16 - 35 permanent positions when operations begin.
- Business Opportunities - Investment in local goods and services, including food and accommodation, hardware, fuel, parts and servicing, and more.
- Local Spending - Project spend is estimated at over US$ 4 billion. An additional US$ 42 million will be spent each year, mainly in British Columbia, after the pipeline is in operation.
- Annual Property Tax Revenue - Approximately US$ 20.88 million a year in property tax benefits will help to support community services and infrastructure, such as fire protection and police services, school districts, hospital districts, and waste management.
- Community Investment - Ongoing commitment supporting education and training opportunities for local and Aboriginal communities, as well as community partnerships with local organisations focused on environmental, safety and community initiatives.
Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton