Woodfibre LNG 40-year export permit approved by Canadian government
Woodfibre LNG being built near Squamish, BC.
Pre-construction work on Woodfibre site includes removing contaminated soil, creosote pilings from foreshore
Woodfibre LNG has received a 40-year licence to export 2.1 million tonnes of liquified natural gas a year from its proposed plant near Squamish, BC, where work has begun cleaning up debris and abandoned equipment from the former pulp mill site.
Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr says Canada there is significant natural gas demand in the fast-growing economies of Asia.
“The approval of Woodfibre LNG’s 40-year export licence provides certainty for investors while creating jobs for Canadians as the world moves toward a low-carbon future,” Carr said while speaking Tuesday at the Canadian Embassy in China.
“This project also underscores the significance of working together with First Nations communities, as it will lead to environmental protection and economic benefits for the Province of British Columbia and the Squamish Region.”
The 40-year export licence for Woodfibre LNG was granted on April 6 by the National Energy Board (NEB) announced that it had granted, subject to final approval by the federal government.
The NEB found that the quantity of natural gas proposed to be exported by the Woodfibre LNG Project -0.32 Bcf/d, according to the NEB – is surplus to Canadian needs, and can accommodate an increase in domestic demand and exports.
Future phases of pre-construction work are expected to commence in Q2 2017 and will involve removal of the pulp warehouse and contaminated soil, and thousands of creosote pilings from the foreshore.
“We’re committed to the responsible remediation of our site,” said Byng Giraud, Woodfibre country manager and VP of corporate affairs, said in a press release, “and we’re pleased that this first phase of work is providing opportunities for local contractors and Aboriginal businesses.”
The BC Oil and Gas Commission approved a 47 km (29 mile) pipeline to be built by FortisBC Energy, which would connect to an existing pipeline in the Vancouver area and carry gas to the Woodfibre site. The approval included 30 condition, such as consultation with Aboriginal groups and mitigation work to reduce impact on grizzly bear populations, among others.
All of the commitments Woodfibre LNG Limited made in its environmental assessment certificate application, and the regulatory conditions, plans and permits required for construction and operation of the Woodfibre LNG Project will remain in effect for the life of the project, the company said.
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