NorthRiver Midstream notifies Taylor residents of application for new project at McMahon plant

TAYLOR, B.C. — Residents in Taylor have been notified by NorthRiver Midstream about an application to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) for a new “sequestration” project at its McMahon Gas Plant.

According to the notice sent to residents on January 9th, the project centers around disposing of the plant’s “waste gas” stream—undesirable components like hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO2) filtered out of raw gas.

Currently, the plant uses a “sulphur recovery unit” to remove H2S and CO2 from its raw gas stream, process those components to make sulphur, and then transport that sulphur to market.

The newly proposed project would replace that recovery unit with new equipment, allowing a new extraction process that would inject the H2S and CO2 into a reservoir nearly two kilometres underground, reducing CO2 emissions from the plant’s smokestacks.

The notice to residents says this project would “enhance relationships with communities and stakeholders” in the area and “improve the reliability and extend the life of the McMahon Gas Plant.”

“This method of waste gas disposal is well proven in industry, with numerous such installations in operation in BC and Alberta, six of which are operated by NorthRiver,” the notice reads.

Safety measures planned for the reservoir include installing control and safety valves to ensure the H2S and CO2 remain contained, using emergency shutdown systems in case any “unplanned migration” of waste gas is detected, installing surface casing to prevent contamination of the local water table, and surface monitoring for H2S.

NorthRiver anticipates having the project complete and in service by early 2028, pending the timing of regulatory approvals. 

The company is hosting an open house for residents to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share feedback and concerns. The open house is scheduled for Friday, January 17th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Taylor District Ice Centre.