The proposed $3-billion Cedar liquefied natural gas facility (LNG) in Kitimat, B.C. has been issued an environmental assessment certificate by the provincial government.
The facility, which is being developed by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation, is one step closer to construction.
Premier David Eby said the project is the largest First Nations-owned infrastructure project in Canada, and will create 500 jobs during construction and 100 full-time jobs once operational.
Cedar LNG is expected to cost over $3 billion to build, and will consist of a floating natural gas liquefaction plant and marine export terminal located in the Douglas Channel.
Although the plant will be powered by hydroelectricity, natural gas will be fed into it for liquefaction via an eight-kilometre pipeline spur connected to the main Coastal GasLink pipeline, which is currently under construction.
The facility will have the capacity to liquefy approximately three million tonnes of LNG per year for export to Asian markets.
Haisla chief councillor Crystal Smith said the issuance of the environmental certificate shows support for economic reconciliation and paves the way for the nation to take control of its future.
George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy, said the project can fit within B.C.’s climate targets, and that Cedar LNG has 16 legally binding conditions, including a requirement to develop a greenhouse gas reduction plan.
The federal government’s decision on Cedar LNG is still pending, but the project is seen as an opportunity for economic growth and job creation, as well as a chance to demonstrate responsible LNG development in the province while protecting the environment.
↯↯↯Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media ↯↯↯