The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has issued an order to the Woodfibre LNG company to deploy a floating accommodation vessel, also known as a “floatel,” near Squamish. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the potential impact of the LNG project on the surrounding environment.
The EAO has stated that the floatel must be in place before any construction activities can begin at the Woodfibre site. This is to ensure that the workers involved in the project have proper accommodation and do not have to commute to and from the site, which could potentially cause harm to the environment.
The Woodfibre LNG project has been a topic of controversy since its proposal in 2013. The project aims to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on the shores of Howe Sound, which has raised concerns about the impact on the local marine life and air quality.
The EAO’s decision to order the deployment of a floatel is a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that the project is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. The floatel will provide temporary housing for up to 600 workers, reducing the need for daily commutes and minimizing the project’s carbon footprint.
In addition to the floatel, the EAO has also required the Woodfibre LNG company to implement a number of environmental management plans, including a marine mammal protection plan and an air quality management plan. These plans will help mitigate the potential impact of the project on the surrounding environment.
The Woodfibre LNG company has stated that they are committed to meeting all of the EAO’s requirements and ensuring that the project is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner. They have also emphasized their commitment to working closely with the local community and addressing any concerns that may arise.
The deployment of the floatel near Squamish is a significant development in the Woodfibre LNG project and demonstrates the EAO’s dedication to protecting the environment. With the implementation of strict environmental management plans and the use of a floatel, the project has taken a step towards balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.
