British Columbia grants environmental assessment approval for three LNG projects

The Government of British Columbia has issued environmental assessment certificates for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in northern part of the province.

The projects include the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission pipeline, the Pacific NorthWest LNG export facility in Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline.

Each project must secure federal, provincial and local government approvals to go ahead.

The Pacific NorthWest LNG export facility is also subject to a federal environmental assessment.

Spectra Energy’s Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission pipeline, which is expected to cost $7.5bn, includes the construction and operation of around two 860km natural gas pipelines with total design capacity of 8.4 billion cubic feet per day.

The pipelines will run from the Cypress Area in northeast BC to a new LNG terminal being planned at Ridley Island near Prince Rupert.

The Pacific NorthWest LNG export facility, which is expected to cost $11.4bn, includes the construction and operation of an LNG export facility located on Lelu Island and adjacent water lots in the Port of Prince Rupert.

The $5bn Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline includes the construction and operation of a 900km natural gas pipeline from near the District of Hudson’s Hope in northeastern B.C. to the Pacific NorthWest LNG export facility.