Pacific NorthWest LNG submits EIS

Pacific NorthWest LNG has submitted its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO).

The CEAA is the lead authority responsible for reviewing the application, as the proposed liquefied natural gas project would be located on federal port land within the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The BC EAO will review additional elements unique to British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act.

Comments

Pacific NorthWest LNG president, Greg Kist, commented: “The filing of our Environmental Impact Statement to both federal and provincial regulatory agencies is a significant milestone in the life of this project. This marks a renewed round of consultation and feedback from all interested parties on our proposal and I encourage participation in this rigorous environmental review.”

Once accepted, regulatory agencies and First Nations will review the EIS internally, before a public comment period is opened in Spring 2014. The public comment period will consist of open houses, working group meetings and opportunities for direct comment from the public on the EIS.

“Thanks to the participation from residents and stakeholders along the North Coast we have implemented numerous design changes to our proposed facility,” Kist added.

LNG facility design

Design changes to the facility include:

• Raised the height of the Lelu Island bridge for marine users
• Raised the height of a section of the jetty trestle for marine users
• Committed to a 30 m tree and vegetation buffer around most of the island to provide a natural sound and light barrier
• Covered LED lighting to minimize light emissions from the facility
• Construction of a materials offloading facility on Lelu Island to minimize heavy truck traffic
• Changed the location of the main flare stack to decrease the visual impact for residents of Port Edward
• Removed a bunkering fuel facility and propane storage from the project design

Economic impact

Kist concluded: “We want to build the best facility possible, and that means hearing from residents on what their vision is for Pacific NorthWest LNG. Pacific NorthWest LNG intends to be a positive contributor to the local economy and a provider of long-term careers for decades to come. The submission of our Environmental Impact Statement is another step in achieving that goal.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/03032014/pacific_northwest_lng_submits_eis_232/