INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2008ENV0070-001004 June 27, 2008	Ministry of Environment
KITIMAT-SUMMIT LAKE PIPELINE PROJECT APPROVED

VICTORIA – Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership (the proponent) 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.  

 

More information on the environmental assessment certificate can be found at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

 

 

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Media contact:	Kate Thompson Manager, Media Relations 250 953-4577
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