Woodfibre LNG has been granted provincial approval to proceed with air-cooling for its liquefied natural gas export facility.
The company announced Tuesday that its application to amend its Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) for the construction and operation of Woodfibre LNG was approved.
The certificate was originally granted on October 26, 2015, but due to a condition of the Squamish Nation's approval Woodfibre applied to amend its Environmental Assessment early this year.
"The proposed design changes were the result of the Squamish Nation selection of air cooling as the cooling technology for the project as well as ongoing front-end engineering design work," read a news release from Woodfibre.
Cooling is required for liquefaction – turning natural gas into a liquid.
This process shrinks the volume of the gas substantially, making it easier to store and ship.
Air-cooling will involve fans that will force ambient air over coolers and tubes of the liquid.
The seawater cooling method was a concern for the Squamish Nation chiefs and council and others in the community because of the impact it could have on the marine environment.
Other approved amendments to the certificate include Woodfibre upgrading an existing water intake on Mill Creek rather than constructing a new intake, and short-term use of water from Woodfibre Creek during construction.
“We... see the approval as further acknowledgement that Woodfibre LNG is setting the standard for incorporating First Nations and community priorities into the design and operation of an industrial project in British Columbia," said Byng Giraud, country manager and vice president of corporate affairs for Woodfibre LNG.
To view the Woodfibre LNG application go to https://projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/api/document/589385a2d3cfab001dff700d/fetch
