(In response to a letter from Garret Schumacher, Sept. 1, 2016.)
Powering FortisBC’s compressor station with natural gas is a responsible choice.
While we respect Mr. Schumacher’s opinions about our proposed natural gas compressor station, it’s important to clarify a number of points he raised in his Aug. 31 letter (“Compressor station should be powered with electricity”).
FortisBC has now received two environmental assessment approvals for our Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project. Squamish Nation and the Province of B.C. have both issued environmental certificates for our project, including the natural gas powered compressor station located at the Mount Mulligan site.
Mr. Schumacher’s statement that cost was the main factor in our decision to power the compressor station with clean-burning natural gas is simply false.
It’s the responsible choice that balances community feedback while minimizing unnecessary environmental and visual impacts.
To obtain information for the environmental assessment reviews, numerous studies and analyses were completed to thoroughly evaluate various alternative pipeline routes and compressor station locations. We also spoke with the community and Aboriginal groups, and carefully considered the feedback we received.
What we found was that powering the facility with BC Hydro electricity would have involved building five kilometres of new, above ground electrical transmission lines and permanently clearing a 30-metre-wide new right of way. We heard loud and clear that people were absolutely opposed to new power lines in the area.
With respect to emissions related to the operation of the station, an air quality analysis conducted by SNC-Lavalin (a well-respected external expert consultant) demonstrated offsite impacts would be “low and fully compliant” with government ambient air quality objectives.
We share Mr. Schumacher’s passion for protecting the Squamish’s groundwater supply. Our compressor stations in Coquitlam, Langley and Port Mellon are all located near sensitive water bodies, which have never been compromised by our operations.
We’ve researched the potential cumulative effects on the surface water and groundwater in the area and will reduce potential effects with mitigation measures including monitoring water quality during construction, and preventing harmful substances from entering water bodies.
We will also comply with the BC Sustainable Water Act and the Drinking Water Protection Regulation requirements designed to keep water supplies safe.
Gary Abbott
FortisBC project manager
