TransCanada Corp. reported that the British Columbian Environmental Assessment Office has issued an environmental assessment certificate (EAC) for the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.
Shell Canada Ltd. in mid-2012 let a contract to TransCanada to design, build, own, and operate the proposed 670-km, 48-in. Coastal GasLink system, a $4 billion pipeline that will carry natural gas from the Montney gas-producing region near Dawson Creek, BC, to LNG Canada’s proposed LNG export facility near Kitimat, BC (OGJ Online, June 5, 2012).
The initial build of Coastal GasLink will include as many as three meter stations and one compressor station. The initial capacity of the pipeline will allow the shipment of 2-3 bcfd of gas, with an expansion capability to about 5 bcfd through the addition of as many as seven compressor stations.
The EAC for the project contains 32 conditions, the majority of which reflect current best practices for gas pipeline construction and operation.
Next steps for the proposed project include detailed engineering and construction planning, as well as ongoing consultation with Aboriginal groups and the public.
Pending the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and a positive final investment decision from LNG Canada, the start of pipeline construction is expected in 2016, with an in-service date by the end of the decade.