Province approves liquid fuels export terminal in Prince Rupert

The province has issued an environmental assessment certificate (EAC) for an $885-million liquid fuels export terminal in Prince Rupert.

The environmental assessment for the Vopak Pacific Canada (VPC) project began on July 26th, 2018, by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

“The VPC Project is intended to provide berthing and loading facilities for bulk liquid cargo that would be received via the existing rail loop on Ridley Island,” said a report from B.C.’s energy and environment ministries.

“Products would be transported from various locations across Western Canada to the VPC Project site via the existing Canadian National Railway system.”

B.C.’s energy and environment ministries received the full assessment on September 22nd, 2021, from the EAO for approval.

The report from the EAO addressed accidents and malfunctions, potential environmental impacts, rail traffic, and community services and infrastructure.

Consultations were also conducted with six Indigenous Nations and other public members who raised concerns about the project.

The certificate contains conditions and design parameters that the VPC Project must abide by if given federal approval.

The report said the federal government will address issues involving the marine environment and rail traffic.

Vopak estimated the construction phase would cost a total of $885 million, including federal, provincial and municipal taxes. Once operational, they estimated an average of $29 million being spent.

This project is also estimated to have 250 full-time-equivalent jobs during the two-year construction phase and 39 positions once operational.

The ministries expressed confidence that the project will be completed with no significant negative effects if the company follows the conditions laid out in the certificate.

According to the provincial government, the legally binding conditions include developing a green gas emissions reduction plan and a requirement to work with the local community and First Nations to address negative effects.

 B.C. Minister of Environment, George Heyman, issued the certificate on Wednesday.

The full report can be read below: