Prince George, B.C.-    It is early in the process, but the pieces are being put in place for the possible construction of a natural gas plant north east of Fort Nelson.

EnCana submitted the project description with the Province in November.

Prince George, B.C.- EnCana is leading the application for this project but is not the only company involved. The $400 million dollar project is being supported by the eight companies (including Apache Corp of Houston) working in the Horn River Basin. 

Called the “Cabin Gas Plant” project, the site is located north east of Fort Nelson and if the project is approved it could be up and running in 2011.

This first phase could start construction in February 2010 and the plant be on line in 2011. From that point on, a new phase would be added every 6-12 months, depending on demand for natural gas.

“It is a six phase project” says EnCana spokesperson Carol Howes who adds the greatest job creation would come during plant construction “During the height of construction, this project would create about 600 jobs. Once it is completed, it will there will be about 25 permanent positions.”

EnCana estimates it could produce one billion cubic feet of gas per day, that’s enough to heat 5 million homes.   The project would see gas compressed at EnCana’s compression plant, then moved by pipeline to the Cabin Gas plant for processing before being shipped to markets.

While the project has been discussed with direct stake holders,   the opportunities for the general public to comment on the project will start next month as EnCana plans to hold several open house sessions.

EnCana has been the target of bombings at its gas lines in the Dawson Creek area, Howes says the activities n the Dawson Creek area are not expected to spill over to the Cabin Gas project “We believe the Dawson Creek activities are confined to that area.”

Investigators continue to search for the person, or persons, responsible for those attacks. They have now identified and cleared all 8 people spotted on the security  camera of the Dawson Creek Shoppers Drug Mart on the day threatening letters were mailed at that site.