In a previous post, we discussed the Environmental Assessment (EA) Process applicable to the proposed BC LNG Export Terminals. Here, we discuss the EA Process applicable to various Pipelines designed to serve the LNG Export Terminals.

Unlike the LNG Export Terminals, where EA jurisdiction has historically been shared between the Federal and Provincial governments, the Pipelines are generally governed only by the BC EA Process, as administered by the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO). This is largely a result of Federal Regulations (enacted October 24, 2013) which remove from the Federal EA Process any Pipelines which are effectively intra-provincial in nature – as all of the currently proposed LNG Pipelines are.

The BC EAO EA process consists of three Stages:

  • Pre-Application Stage: no fixed timeline; it will largely be influenced by the time it takes to conduct the necessary field studies and fulfill the Application Information Requirements in order for a project proponent's EA Application to be accepted as complete by the BC EAO.
     
  • Application Review Stage: 180 days following acceptance by the BC EAO of an EA Application for it to deliver an Assessment Report and Recommendation.
     
  • Decision Stage: 45 days following delivery of the BC EAO Assessment Report and Recommendation.

Projects to date

The following chart provides a summary of the major BC LNG related Pipeline Projects announced to date and the status of their respective Environmental Assessments:

PROJECT

PARTNERS/ SPONSORS

STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Pacific Trails

Chevron/Apache*

(*Apache has publicly indicated thier intention to exit the syndicate)

Environmental Assessment Certificate issued by BC EAO on 2008/6/26. Certificate Extension Order issued on 2013/6/20.

Status: Approved

Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project

TransCanada Pipelines

BC EAO Application Review Stage start date: 2014/3/11.

Status: Application Review Stage

West Coast Connector

Spectra Energy and BG Group

BC EAO Application Review Stage start date: 2014/5/6.

Status: Application Review Stage

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission

TransCanada Pipelines

BC EAO Application Review Stage start date:2014/05/16.

Status: Application Review Stage

Pacific Northern Gas Looping

Pacific Northern Gas/AltaGas

BC EAO Pre-Application Stage start date: 2013/07/24.

Status: Pre-Application Stage

Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre

FortisBC

BC EAO Pre-Application Stage start date: 2013/08/01.

Status: Pre-Application Stage

Merrick Mainline

TransCanada Pipelines

Not yet initiated.

1. Pre-Application Stage:

The Pre-Application Stage is used to ensure that EA Applications contain the information necessary for the BC EAO to actually undertake a project EA and make recommendations. The BC EAO issues Application Information Requirements (AIR) which identify the matters that will be considered in the EA and what information must be included in an EA Application. A working group is established and is involved in the development of the AIR. As well, First Nations are consulted. The AIR include baseline studies, project benefits (including socio-economic impacts such as estimated government revenues and contributions to community development), cumulative impacts and proposed mitigation measures and First Nations impacts. Neither the legislation nor the BC EAO impose time restrictions on the Pre-Application Stage, however there is a maximum 30-day limit for the BC EAO to evaluate and determine completeness of  an EA Application.

2. Application Review Stage:

Following acceptance of an EA Application, the Application Review Stage begins. This involves public comment periods and the drafting by the BC EAO of an Assessment Report to document: (i) the findings of the assessment; (ii) outstanding issues; and (iii) methods to address documented issues. The BC EAO will share its draft Assessment Report with the proponent, the working group and First Nations. The BC EAO typically provides three weeks for comment. As the last step of the Application Review Stage, the BC EAO submits its final Assessment Report, which includes recommendations, to the British Columbia Minister of Environment and the Minister of LNG Development (the Ministers) who have authority to decide whether or not to issue an Environmental Assessment Certificate. The BC EAO has a maximum of 180 days following the acceptance of an EA Application to deliver its Assessment Report.

3. Decision Stage:

Upon receiving the BC EAO's Assessment Report, the Ministers have 45 days to make a decision. In doing so, the Ministers must consider the Assessment Report, any documents accompanying it and any other matters they believe are relevant to public interest. If the Ministers issue an Environmental Assessment Certificate, the proposed project may proceed and provincial authorities may issue other necessary project approvals, subject to the satisfaction of approval requirements.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.