Coastal GasLink pipeline wins B.C. environmental approval

TransCanada Corporation said that the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office has issued an environmental assessment certificate for the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.

The proposed project involves the construction and operation of an approximately 670-kilometre (415-mile), 1,219-mm (48-inch) diameter natural gas pipeline from the Groundbirch area near Dawson Creek, B.C. to the proposed LNG Canada liquefied natural gas export facility near Kitimat, B.C.

The initial build will include up to three meter stations and one compressor station. The initial capacity of the pipeline will allow the shipment of approximately 2-3 billion cubic feet/day of natural gas, with an expansion capability to approximately 5 bcf/d through the addition of up to seven compressor stations.

The environmental assessment certificate for the Coastal GasLink pipeline contains 32 conditions, the majority of which reflect current best practices for natural gas pipeline construction and operation. They also include conditions adopted to address project-specific concerns, as raised by Aboriginal groups, local communities and resource management agencies, TransCanada said in a statement.

TransCanada has also submitted applications to the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission for the permits required under Section 25 of the Oil and Gas Activities Act to build and operate the Coastal GasLink pipeline. Regulatory review of those applications is progressing on schedule, with permit decisions anticipated in the first quarter of 2015, the company added.

Next steps for the proposed project include detailed engineering and construction planning, as well as ongoing consultation with Aboriginal groups and the public. Pending the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and a positive final investment decision from LNG Canada, the start of pipeline construction is anticipated in 2016, with an in-service date by the end of the decade.

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Press Release; Image: TransCanada