Ministerial Statement - Government of Canada's Decision on the Environmental Assessment of the LNG Canada Export Terminal Project

LNG Canada Development Inc. must comply with 50 legally binding conditions throughout the life of the project

OTTAWA, June 17, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, issued the following statement today, outlining the Governor in Council's determination that the environmental effects of the proposed LNG Canada Export Terminal Project are justified in the circumstances.

"Canada is a secure, reliable and responsible producer and supplier of energy to the world that is firmly committed to making environmental assessment decisions that protect the environment while growing our economy and benefiting Canadian families. The proposed LNG Canada Export Terminal meets these objectives and the priorities under our Government's Responsible Resource Development plan to deliver timely reviews, reduce duplication, strengthen environmental protection and enhance consultations with Aboriginal communities."

"The LNG Canada Export Terminal Project underwent a thorough science-based environmental assessment conducted by the Government of British Columbia, which included extensive and meaningful consultations with the public and Aboriginal groups. The environmental assessment process benefited from scientific and technical expertise, Aboriginal traditional knowledge as well as constructive feedback received during consultations, to enable an informed decision by both governments."

"This decision strengthens Canada's position as a world leader in responsible resource development and will diversify Canadian energy export markets by sending clean-burning natural gas to Asia. It will also bolster economic growth, create good, high-paying jobs for Canadians and ensure that local and Aboriginal communities in the Kitimat region benefit from B.C.'s growing resource sector." 

"Specifically, the project is expected to create up to 7,500 direct jobs to support the construction phase and up to 800 direct jobs to operate the facility. Construction of the terminal could potentially contribute nearly $20 billion to Canada's economy and the operation of the facility is expected to create as much as $14.5 billion in economic activity every year."

"In the Decision Statement that I released today, there are 50 legally binding conditions that must be fulfilled by the proponent throughout the life of the project in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. After the project is approved it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental regime."

"Our Government remains committed to a strong science-based environmental assessment process that promotes responsible resource development, protects our environment and benefits Canadians and their families."

The next steps are for the proponent to obtain federal regulatory approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Fisheries Act), Transport Canada (Navigation Protection Act) and Environment Canada (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999). They must also obtain provincial regulatory approvals at various stages of the project.

More information on this project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website, reference number 80038.

Associated Links

• Backgrounder - LNG Canada Export Terminal Project Environmental Assessment Decision
• (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• EA Decision Statement on the LNG Canada Export Terminal Project Environmental Assessment Decision (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Backgrounder on substitution (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Memorandum of Understanding with B.C. on substitution (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Responsible Resource Development (Canada's Economic Action Plan)

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Backgrounder
LNG Canada Export Terminal Project - Environmental Assessment Decision

The Project

LNG Canada Development Inc. (consisting of Shell Canada and affiliates Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, Korea Gas Corporation and PetroChina) is proposing the construction and operation of a natural gas liquefaction facility and marine terminal for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the District of Kitimat, British Columbia (B.C.). The proposed project would convert natural gas to LNG, about 26 million tonnes a year, for export to global markets. The project is expected to have a life of at least 25 years.

The Environmental Assessment Process

The Minister of the Environment granted substitution to B.C. for this project in May 2013. The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) conducted the environmental assessment of the project in accordance with the substitution conditions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012), including the additional conditions set by the federal Minister.

B.C. submitted its Assessment Report to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency on May 6, 2015.  The Report includes the EAO's conclusions and recommendations on the potential environmental effects of the project, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects, and the follow-up program. The federal government considered the Assessment Report in reaching its decision.

Enforcement and Conditions

The legally binding conditions in the Minister's Decision Statement address a number of environmental effects including fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, wetlands, human health, current Aboriginal use of lands and resources for traditional purposes and archaeological and heritage resources. The conditions also set out reporting and record-keeping requirements.

The project is subject to the B.C. Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act, which establishes a regulatory framework to take into account emissions from different types of current and future industrial facilities within B.C.

Aboriginal Consultations

Aboriginal groups were consulted throughout the environmental assessment process and on the conditions set out in the Minister's Decision Statement. The comments received were taken into account in identifying conditions to serve as mitigation measures for impacts on hunting, fishing, marine harvesting, trapping and gathering plants for medicines and food. The conditions also establish specific requirements for the proponent to consult with Aboriginal groups on the development and implementation of mitigation strategies and follow-up requirements.

Next Steps

LNG Canada Development Inc. is required to obtain federal regulatory approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Fisheries Act), Transport Canada (Navigation Protection Act) and Environment Canada (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999). The proponent must also obtain provincial regulatory approvals at various stages of the project.

SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Shane Buckingham, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Karen Fish, Communications Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 613-957-0278, [email protected], Follow us on Twitter: @CEAA_ACEE