The proposed plant would process western Canadian LNG in the Port of Saguenay (Photo: Energie Saguenay / Facebook)

By Shaun Penner

Energie Saguenay

GP, Dawson Creek mayors provide perspective in Quebec LNG plant environmental review

Nov 4, 2020 | 4:02 PM

A proposed LNG processing plant in Quebec recently received further backing from two Peace Country mayors.

Back on Friday, Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given and Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead presented to the Quebec Environmental Review Board in regards to the proposed Energie Saguenay project, which would see a $9 billion LNG processing facility be built at the Port of Saguenay in eastern Quebec.

The goal is to export 11 million tonnes of natural gas per year from Western Canada to Saguenay, through a mostly existing pipeline network.

After submitting letters of support for the project back in late 2019, Given says the purpose of the presentation from both Bumstead and himself was to provide some firsthand experience from municipal leaders that live in an area rich with gas development.

“Mayor Bumstead and I shared our perspectives on how natural gas development is viewed in western Canada, the level of comfort that the majority of residents in our region have with the technology and environmental controls.

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“And we shared, what I think is, the common concern that we would have with Quebecers about the safety of our families, the livelihood of our communities and our environmental impact on the world.”

Given adds that the two hoped to quell some concerns around the environmental efficacy of natural gas production.

One of the top concerns Given says they heard was around the practice of fracking.

“We were able to answer with some firsthand knowledge about where fracking does and doesn’t happen,” said Given.

“I think there is a perception in Quebec that fracking may happen within city boundaries, or directly adjacent to an urban area. We were able to share what the nature of, particularly natural gas development, looks like on the ground in our region.”

Not only would the facility provide a big economic boost to a struggling oil and gas industry in western Canada, Given says he sees this as a vital project environmentally to work towards lowering global greenhouse gas emissions.

He notes the “world-class” environmental regulations that are followed by Western Canadian oil and gas producers.

“(It’s) a great opportunity to ensure that any natural gas that is developed, is developed with as little methane leakage and as quality of environmental practices as possible,” said Given.

“And, that LNG offers an opportunity to meet the world’s growing energy demand in the near term, and potentially supplement other less clean sources of energy, like coal.”

Given feels confident he and Bumstead were able to provide some clarity to the environmental regulator, adding that it is important to open up a nationwide conversation and gain the needed perspective from both sides of the table.

“I think this kind of national conversation is what is going to move forward Alberta’s energy sector. Certainly, we do not get anywhere by trying to go it alone, and I think that’s why the inter-provincial partnership between myself and Mayor Bumstead was so powerful.”

The plant, which is proposed by GNL Quebec, is currently undergoing a review that includes public hearings. The regulator will present its findings in a report to Quebec’s environment minister in January 2021.

GNL Quebec hopes to have operations started by the year 2026.

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