Tsimshian Chiefs welcome CEAA report

Tsimshian Chiefs representing Metlakatla, Gitxaala, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum First Nations have welcomed the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s (CEAA) recent conclusion that the Pacific NorthWest LNG Project will not lead to significant adverse impacts on the Skeena salmon fishery.

In its Draft Environmental Assessment Report for the Pacific NorthWest LNG Project, the CEAA said that the LNG project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on harbour porpoise. However, with respect to all other valued components, the CEAA said that the LNG project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects taking into account the implementation of key mitigation measures.

The Tsimshian Chiefs have said that they will bring forward strong conditions for the LNG project to provide full confidence that the environment will be properly monitored and protected.

Chief Harold Leighton (Metlakatla), said: "We strongly advocated for additional research, particularly 3-D modeling, to understand the impacts of Pacific Northwest LNG's project on Flora Bank. This work has been completed, independently reviewed by our environmental teams and the [CEAA]. We will review CEAA's scientific findings and develop our conditions that give us full confidence that salmon fishery is protected."

Chief Cliff White (Gitxaala), said: "We are very proud of the work undertaken by our environmental teams. Not only has each of our First Nations' teams undertaken extensive analysis, we have pulled together to work collaboratively to respond to this massive project. CEAA's findings reflect the work we have undertaken and the independent research we have commissioned. We expect to be very involved in monitoring all aspects of this project."

Chief Don Roberts (Kitsumkalum), added: “We have gone to great lengths to address environmental concerns and have ensured that an extraordinary amount of scientific work has taken place. As we review CEAA's findings and have the assurance that the project will not impact the Skeena fishery, it enables us to consider social and economic benefits for our members, like training for our younger generation."

Chief Joe Bevan (Kitselas), concluded:"All of our leaders and people have been weighing the benefits against the potential impacts through multiple public meetings. We are encouraged that the proponent has undertaken significant additional work to address concerns and that the independent scientists at CEAA have validated this work."

Edited from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/15022016/tsimshian-chiefs-welcome-ceaa-report-2001/