At FortisBC, an important part of our planning process is listening to the community and responding to feedback we receive. When local residents, the District of Squamish and the Squamish Nation told us they were concerned about our plan to site the natural gas compressor station on a properly zoned lot inside the Squamish industrial park, we responded by providing a new, remote location.
If approved, the Mount Mulligan facility would be built about 1.8 kilometres away from the nearest residence in Squamish at approximately 1,400 feet elevation and on the other side of a bluff. We chose the site because it’s partially located on land that was previously used industrially as a woodlot, which will minimize environmental impacts. The site has existing forestry road access so we can ensure safe operations.
Most importantly, we’ve confirmed the station would not be visible from residences, the Stawamus cultural site, the Sea to Sky Gondola viewing area and the summit of the Stawamus Chief.
We also looked at the overall design of our project to reduce the size of the compressor station and eliminate the upgrades at our existing facility on the Sunshine Coast. As a result, we’ll be reducing total annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7,421 tonnes, compared with our original plan. That’s equivalent to taking about 1,560 passenger vehicles off the road each year.
Our initial studies demonstrate that noise generated by the facility would be the same as a whisper in a library, as measured at the nearest residence. That would be undistinguishable in the ambient noise in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood today. Any potential air contaminants produced by the Mount Mulligan station would be within the BC Ambient Air Quality Objectives as well as the federal standards.
We took many factors into account with the Mount Mulligan site and believe it’s the best option to reduce local impacts while balancing community feedback and environmental interests.
We respect that some residents still have concerns. That’s why we’re committed to keep talking with people to answer questions and provide additional information. For example, we recently invited Valleycliffe residents on a tour of one of our existing compressor facilities so they can see and experience it while in operation. Depending on local interest, we may organize additional tours in the new year.
We look forward to continuing the dialogue as plans move forward.
Elliot Moses
FortisBC Community Relations Manager
