FortisBC crews are at work along Industrial Way and Finch Drive drilling holes to extract soil samples.
The work is part of preparations to install a natural gas pipeline for Woodfibre LNG, according to FortisBC spokesman Trevor Boudreau.
While district council deferred a decision on permits for any drilling work in the estuary, the work along Industrial Way was approved; district staff issued FortisBC work permits about two weeks ago.
The soil samples reveal the soil’s composition and what kind of rock lies underneath.
“Basically, it informs whether or not doing the [horizontal directional drilling] is viable or not,” said Boudreau.
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless method of installing underground pipes used in more urban settings or where there are underground utilities, according to Boudreau.
If HDD is not possible, a trench is dug for the pipe, which is a more invasive technique.
Boudreau said there has been some misunderstanding in Squamish about FortisBC’s role in the controversial proposed Woodfibre LNG facility slated for 2017 at a site on Howe Sound near Squamish.
“As a utility, whenever we’re approached by a potential customer that says they want gas service, we have to look into it. Really, at the end of the day, that is all this is about. Woodfibre approached us and said, ‘We are looking at building an LNG terminal and we need to get gas service to get there,’” Boudreau said. “And so legally, basically, we have to go through the motions and… see if it is viable.”
Work began Monday, Nov. 24 and will continue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays for about three weeks.
There will be some construction noise and traffic disruptions in the area until the work has been completed. Flag persons will direct traffic.
Once the work is completed, crews will backfill the holes and restore the area.
In other FortisBC news, a new information office opened this week at 38134 Cleveland Ave.
A representative from FortisBC and Woodfibre LNG will be on hand to answer questions from the public. The office will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays for at least the next six months.
For more information on the work underway or the office, call FortisBC at 1-855-380-5784 or email [email protected].
