In another step forwards for the contentious PRGT Pipeline, the BC Government has approved an amendment that requested a newer, shorter route – without needing a new environmental certificate.
But this shorter route includes clauses intended to be more forgiving on the local ecosystems.
The option to reroute approximately 172 kilometres of the northeastern section of the proposed pipeline route. This change shortens the pipeline route, establishing a new starting point approximately 37 kilometres west of Chetwynd and reconnecting with the approved route about 50 kilometres southwest of Mackenzie. The amendment also includes a new electric or gas-powered compressor station at the start of the new pipeline route.
EAO says that compliance and enforcement officers will continue to monitor the project to ensure it meets the requirements throughout the pipeline’s lifetime.
The EAO identified seven key issues and effects related to the amendment application:
Caribou, grizzly bear, freshwater resources, air quality, vegetation, cumulative effects, and effects of PRGT on First Nations rights.
The EAO says they assessed each of these key issues and their effects and considered whether proposing new Certificate conditions or amendments to current Certificate conditions were required to address these concerns.
The EAO says six conditions were added, regarding caribou, grizzly bears, and cumulative effects.
In his conclusion, Chief Executive Assessment officer Alex MacLennan identifies that the EAO sought consensus with eight first nations during the amendment process.
He identifies the Salteau First Nation as being in support – caribou restoration is notably a key priority of that Nation.
But he says consensus was not reached by all Nations.
Here in the Northwest, there’s been significant pushback from some local nations and community groups.
Shannon McPhail, Co-Director of the Skeena Watershed Watch Coalition, had this to say to Environment Minister Tamara Davidson and the BC government, when she spoke with CFTK-TV’s Robert Pictou in July;
“Please come to our communities and sit down and talk with us. Because we are not convinced at all that this is good for anyone. Including the province, including Canada, and definitely not for the communities here. And people are rising up - there is a lot of anger, resentment, and frustration. Because reasonable questions have been asked- and left unanswered - for way too long.
Minster Tamara Davidson; I think you probably want to make a better decision. I think you probably might even understand where we’re coming from. So come here and sit with us. And listen and see for yourself"
Following a 9-month consultation process on the changes to that Northeastern section, MacLennan says the amendment is approved.