Summit Lake-Kitimat Pipeline Gets Green Light From Province

By 250 News

VICTORIA - Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership

has received an environmental assessment (EA) certificate for the

Kitimat-Summit Lake Pipeline project. Environment Minister Barry Penner

and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld made

their decision to grant the EA certificate after considering a

comprehensive review led by B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office.

      The project consists of the construction and operation of a

463-kilometre, 91-centimetre diameter buried pipe between Kitimat and

Summit Lake, including one new compressor station along the proposed

system that will connect with the existing Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.

natural gas pipeline and convey natural gas from the proposed Kitimat

Liquefied Natural Gas (KLNG) terminal to the Spectra Energy gas

transmission system.

      In addition to the provincial EA, the project also requires

approvals under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. A harmonized

review led by B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) was initiated

in accordance with the Canada/British Columbia Agreement for

Environmental Assessment Cooperation. The federal environmental

assessment process is ongoing.

      Before the project may proceed, the proponent must also obtain the

necessary provincial and federal permits and authorizations.

The provincial environmental assessment certificate contains numerous

commitments that the proponent must implement throughout various stages

of the project. Key commitments include the following:

* Assess the erosion potential of soils and implement adequate erosion

controls.

* Mitigate potential loss or degradation of instream fish habitat.

* Monitor water quality in the Morice Water Management Area.

* Develop a hydrostatic test plan to manage discharge water quality,

temperature and withdrawal volumes.

* Mitigate potential effects to wildlife and wildlife habitat.

* Manage public access into previously inaccessible areas.

      Capital costs for the Kitimat-Summit Lake Pipeline Project are

estimated at $1.1 billion. The project will cross provincial and local

government jurisdictions. Once the project is in operation, it is

estimated that the proponent will pay at least $74 million in provincial

and local government taxes over the anticipated 50-year life of the

pipeline. The project is expected to create approximately 1,200-1,500

jobs over a 24-month clearing and construction phase.

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