Plans to shorten a second proposed pipeline to ship LNG across northern BC have been approved.
Initial plans were for the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission pipeline to run from Cypress in the northeast to Ridley Island on the coast.
But, in May of last year, the Enbridge-subsidiary filed for an amendment to their environmental assessment certificate to shorten the route.
Under the amendment, which was approved yesterday, the route will instead begin in the Willow Flats area, eliminating 138 kilometres of pipeline.
Consultations were held with 12 local First Nations prior to the approval, with many voicing displeasure with the process itself.
Both the Prophet River and Bueberry River First Nations issued concerns over upstream development and cumulative effects evaluations.
Each cited the Yahey decision, which found that BC must improve management of cumulative impacts from industry on Blueberry River territory.
They say that considering portions of a project, or amendments, in isolation, rather than as part of the whole project, is a flawed process.
Nonetheless, with no specific feedback provided on the amendment itself, it has been granted a stamp of approval.
You can find the full report from the Environmental Assessment Office at this link.
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