EDITOR,
The proposed liquefied natural gas plant on the old Woodfibre site along Howe Sound is about to move into the environmental assessment (EA) stage, where it will be evaluated for environmental, economic and social sustainability. This is a critical research stage that will take into consideration the opinions of our local politicians. To date, the District of Squamish has not publically weighed in on the LNG project. I think it's time for the residents of Squamish to hear what our elected officials really think about the proposed LNG facility (if there is a divide on council, then let's hear from the individuals).
I also ask that our elected officials please consider supporting the following opinions during the EA process:
1. That the LNG facility, if it is to go through, must be built on land and the liquefied natural gas processing must be built below ground. This is the safer alternative to a floating processing plant on a barge.
2. That the environmental assessment period be extended to include Phase 1 results from the building and development of the Kitimat LNG facility. Using real-time and relevant data from a similar facility such as Kitimat will provide hard data to the environmental assessment report.
When we talk about industrializing Howe Sound, safety becomes my No. 1 priority. I would like to see elected officials in the Sea to Sky Corridor agree collectively that mitigating problems, accidents, leaks, explosions, etc. is more important than an emergency response program. In other words, let's think proactively during the EA stage. To minimize risk means to focus on a model that represents the highest standard for safety and building an LNG plant on a floating barge does not represent the highest standard for safety. Secondly, the LNG assessment should draw from real-time and relevant data from Kitimat's LNG plant. Let's learn from their mistakes. There will be mistakes.
Let's slow down and rethink this project. Our provincial government appears to be fast-tracking LNG development in our province like it's a race. There is no race. The gas is not going anywhere. If LNG is indeed the only solution to give Squamish an economic boost, then let's do it right in a way that is sustainable with long-term gains to our community and the province.
Furthermore, if the Squamish waterfront is not viable as a residential community (for a multitude of reasons), then let's talk more openly about the elephant in the room: Squamish is moving towards being an industrial port town. If what I suspect is true, then let's embrace it with a proper land-use plan that is aesthetically pleasing. Let's be sure to include dedicated water and beach access to the slacklining community, water sport community and other recreational users that have come to love, use and explore our wonderful waterfront.
Michelle Neilson
Squamish
