Environmental feedback leads to Indigenous-owned pipeline reroute

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Western LNG has announced alterations to the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project (PRGT) pipeline in the latest project update.

The project first started on June 21st with the conclusion of the purchase and sale agreement with former owner TC Energy and new owner Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG 

Since the project’s last update, the new ownership team has been working on the next steps for construction throughout the summer. 

This includes bringing the engineering, procurement, and construction company Bechtel to oversee and manage the pipeline. 

“PRGT is our chance as Indigenous people to develop a pipeline project in our own way, to show how it can and should be done. By working together, and with world-leading construction managers, we’re confident this project will set a new bar for environmental protection and leave a legacy of prosperity for Nations across B.C,” said Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government noted in the August 1st press release. 

Construction company Ledcor has also been retained for the 2024 work plan, with construction starting in August on Nisga’a Nation Lands.

These construction activities throughout 2024 plan to include expensive bridge and road construction, worker housing development, clearing and grading of work sites, and establishing construction offices and laydown yards, all led by Ledcor. 

The project team also plans to amend the pipeline’s Environmental Assessment Certificate. 

The amendment alters the pipeline’s western end route, adding a delivery point on Pearse Island, where the Ksi Lisims LNG project will be located. 

The reroute stems from feedback from coastal Nations and shortens the marine portion of the pipeline by 100 kilometers, bringing with it increased environmental benefits and improved connectability on Pearse Island. 

“Today’s update reaffirms our commitment to meaningful actions that respond to feedback we’ve heard from First Nations along the right of way,” Clayton said.