TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink pipeline secures remaining BC permits

TransCanada Corporation said on Thursday it has received the last two of ten pipeline and facilities permits required from the BC Oil and Gas Commission for the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.

The project now has approval for construction and operation of the proposed pipeline and related facilities, according to TransCanada.

“This is a significant regulatory milestone for our project, which is a key component of TransCanada’s growth plan that includes more than $13 billion in proposed natural gas pipeline projects which support the emerging liquefied natural gas industry on the British Columbia Coast,” said Russ Girling, TransCanada’s president and chief executive officer.

Eight of the permits are related to pipeline construction, while two are for pipeline-related facilities: a natural gas compressor station and meter station in Groundbirch, and a natural gas metering station in Kitimat. Coastal GasLink received an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office in October 2014.

The pipeline will connect to the proposed LNG Canada natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Kitimat.

LNG giant Shell said in February it is postponing final investment decision on its multi-billion LNG Canada project in British Columbia to late 2016 as the company is reducing costs and capital investment in a low oil price environment.

The project, proposed by the joint venture of Shell, PetroChina, Kogas and Mitsubishi Corporation, would initially consist of two 6.5 mtpa LNG production trains with an option to expand the facility with additional two trains.

If the LNG Canada partners elect to proceed with their project late 2016, pipeline construction would begin in 2017, TransCanada said.