The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has issued a total of $590,000 in administrative penalties to Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. for failing to meet environmental assessment certificate requirements. The penalties, announced on September 11, 2024, stem from deficiencies in erosion and sediment control identified during inspections along the pipeline’s construction route in April and May 2023.
These latest fines mark an escalation in enforcement due to repeated non-compliance. Coastal GasLink has previously faced penalties totaling approximately $795,200 for similar issues, including fines issued in September 2023, January 2023, February 2022, and May 2022, as well as a penalty for providing misleading information.
The EAO has conducted nearly 100 inspections of the Coastal GasLink project since its start in 2019, resulting in 59 warnings, 30 orders—including 13 stop-work orders—and approximately $1.3 million in fines. While pipeline construction is complete, the EAO will continue monitoring reclamation work to ensure compliance with all environmental requirements.
Coastal GasLink has acknowledged the EAO’s role and stated that they have taken corrective measures. The company emphasizes that since Fall 2023, they have been fully compliant with erosion and sediment control standards and are now focused on completing clean-up and reclamation work.
This pipeline project aims to connect natural gas facilities to the LNG Canada export facility near Kitimat. The EAO remains committed to enforcing environmental standards to prevent negative impacts on water quality, fish habitats, and local communities.
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