Woodfibre LNG has made it over another hurdle in its path to being operational.
The BC Oil and Gas Commission has approved Woodfibre LNG's application for a permit for its planned Squamish liquefied natural gas export facility.
Its application was officially approved on July 2, but announced July 3.
Officials with the commission reviewed the project’s impact on land and wildlife, technical engineering, archaeology, as well as consultation processes with First Nations and any affected landowners, a spokesperson for the commission told The Chief on Wednesday morning.
Spokespeople for the Squamish environmental group My Sea to Sky said the “rubber stamp” from the commission did not surprise them.
"Woodfibre LNG still needs several permits and approvals before it can proceed, and we're not giving up the fight," said Eoin Finn, chair of My Sea to Sky in a news release.
Squamish’s Tracey Saxby, executive director of My Sea to Sky pointed to recent dire climate reports as reason for continuing to oppose Woodfibre LNG.
"Building new fossil fuel infrastructure like Woodfibre LNG when we're facing a climate emergency is irresponsible and reckless," she said in the release.
The permit contains 35 conditions for Woodfibre to meet, in addition to standard regulatory requirements.
Conditions relate to various aspects of the project, such as its design, construction and operation including restrictions around flaring, working around streams, the discovery of any artifacts, noise and light pollution.
“Following a rigorous process, Woodfibre LNG is pleased to have received our Facility Permit issued from the BC Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC), one of the key permits required for construction and operation of the project," said Woodfibre LNG president David Keane in an emailed statement.
“As we move towards construction, we will strive to exceed the high standards of public and environmental safety that are expected of us by the Canadian, B.C., and Squamish Nation governments, and the Squamish community.”
It is up to Woodfibre to make a “Final Investment Decision” and to ultimately decide if the project is built or not.
Keane said a final investment decision on the project may be made by the end of this summer.
Further information on the permit can be found at: bcogc.ca/public-zone/major-projects-centre/woodfibre-lng
*Please note, this story was updated to include comment from My Sea to Sky.
