Environmental Review
Could Veto Project Plan
A recent joint proposal
by BC Hydro and U.S.-based Williams Company to build a second natural
gas pipeline to Vancouver Island-if approved-will not only provide more
electricity supply but a significant boost to Vancouver Island's economy.
'Among the benefits
to our province will be significant private sector investment, over 160
person-years of construction employment, and expanded gas supply to the
Island,' said BC Hydro President and CEO Micheal Costello. For Washington
State, the project will provide an additional source of natural gas to
meet future industrial and residential needs there. Scheduled to be in-service
in November 2002, the new pipeline will cost about $180 million (Can)
and will supply the fuel needed for two new natural gas-fired electricity
generating plants.
Approximately 137
kilometres long, the pipeline will originate in Sumas, Washington and
terminate at Centra Gas' transmission system somewhere south of Duncan
on Vancouver Island. For the Canadian portion of the pipeline, the project
is subject to a National Energy Board review, as well as a comprehensive
environmental assessment process.
A similar review
and environmental assessment will occur for the U.S. portion of the project,
through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The project will only
proceed when all required approvals are received. The Williams proposal
was selected from among three as the best one from a social, economic
and environmental perspective. The company has extensive on- and off-shore
pipeline construction and operation experience.
Source: BC Hydro
Web site
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