The BC Oil and Gas Commission has issued a pipeline permit to FortisBC for the tunnel portion of the Eagle Mountain Pipeline Project.
FortisBC is proposing an approximately 47-kilometre expansion of a portion of their existing natural gas pipeline system that serves Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
It involves adding new 24-inch pipe, beginning north of the Coquitlam watershed and ending at the proposed Woodfibre LNG site.
FortisBC says to avoid surface disruptions, a portion of the proposed pipeline will be installed in a tunnel underneath the estuary.
“We are committed to operating responsibly and mitigating potential environmental impacts,” FortisBC says.
An underground tunnel would be built about 30 metres below the surface of the estuary Wildlife Management Area, and the new sections of pipeline will be installed within that tunnel.
FortisBC says the trench-less construction would continue through the Monmouth Ridge Mountain, with the exit point being on the Woodfibre site.
“We are currently in the process of submitting applications to the appropriate regulatory authorities for additional permits as required,” said Jessica Skjeveland, the corporate communications advisor for FortisBC.
“As part of our commitment to community engagement, FortisBC will continue to engage stakeholders and Indigenous groups, and provide public information sessions,” she said.
She said anyone who wants to know more or provide feedback is encouraged to get in touch with the company via email at egp@fortisbc.com or by phone at 1-855-380-5784.
