LNG Canada announced that the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) has issued an liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility permit for the company’s proposed project in Kitimat, B.C. It is the first LNG project in B.C. to receive this permit, which is key for allowing the construction and operation of the facility.
The permit focuses on public and environmental safety. It specifies the requirements the company must comply with when designing, constructing and operating the proposed LNG export facility. "We have made excellent progress in the past two years, achieving a number of critical milestones," said Andy Calitz, CEO of LNG Canada in a press release.
"Receiving our LNG Facility Permit could not have been achieved without the important input we received from the Haisla Nation and the local community of Kitimat. We continue to progress our project and appreciate the ongoing support from First Nations, the local community and other stakeholders."
"The OGC identified several conditions that must be met by LNG Canada to design, construct and operate the project," said Calitz. "We have reviewed these conditions and are confident that we will meet these conditions as they are aligned with LNG Canada’s core safety values and commitment to protect the environment, the community and our workers."
LNG Canada is developing a number of plans to address public safety and minimize the effects on the environment and local community. The company is working with local emergency response organizations, as well as safety experts, in the development of an emergency response framework for the proposed project.
"Safety is our first priority. Safety as it relates to people and the environment is embedded into the design and planning of our proposed facility and will carry into the construction and operation phases of our project should the project go ahead," said Calitz. According to LNG Canada, social and economic benefits from the project include local employment and procurement opportunities, federal, provincial and municipal government revenue and community investments.
Since 2012, LNG Canada has distributed more than $1 million to community initiatives, such as emergency services, trades scholarships and community services. It has also contributed more than $1.5 million in programs to build awareness and help provide training for trades careers, particularly the emerging LNG industry.
According to LNG Canada, the project must still ensure it is economically viable and meets several other significant milestones including finalizing engineering and cost estimates, supply of labour, and achieving other critical regulatory approvals before making a final investment decision.
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