About 25 people showed up to an open house at Hudson Bay Lodge last week to learn more about Spectra Energy’s proposed pipeline.
Unlike the same open house held in Hazelton three weeks prior, there was no opposition rally held outside the event.
The Environmental Assessment Office of B.C., along with Spectra Energy, hosted the information session in regards to the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission project.
Spectra Energy is proposing to construct and operate a new natural gas system from the Cypress area of northeast B.C. to a proposed LNG export facility at Ridley Island, near Prince Rupert.
The proposed project would be an approximately 850-kilometre-long natural gas pipeline. Spectra Energy is envisioning this project to be a natural gas transportation corridor that can allow for up to two pipelines, three metering facilities and up to five compressor stations. If a second pipeline was to be built, it would be constructed after the first one and would require further permitting.
The EAO is currently looking for residents’ feedback on the project. The public can submit their comments online, by mail or by fax. A copy of the application can be viewed at the Smithers Public Library or online at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.
The Environmental Assessment Office will likely make a decision on whether to give the project the green light by the end of the year.
If approved, Spectra Energy is hoping to start construction in 2017.