The half-million dollar study on Prince Rupert’s airshed was released last Friday and the report states the region will be able to handle several liquefied natural gas facilities among other industrial developments.
The Prince Rupert Airshed Study was funded by the province and was expected to release its final report in May 2015.
After more than a year delay, the report was released only three days after the federal government gave its conditional approval of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.
The report looked at the potential affect that industry could produce on air emissions including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and fine particulate matter on human health and the environment.
Independent science-based research examined several scenarios including if six of the proposed LNG terminals were built in the area. It looked at Port of Prince Rupert activity and future development, gas turbine powered electrical generation facilities and marine and rail transportation.
Impacts from emissions were found to be manageable through regulatory processes and the incoming industry would not significantly affect health of residents or the environment. The study was reviewed by government agencies, health authorities and First Nations.