The provincial government will be spending $500,000 to determine what impact industrial development in the Prince Rupert area could have on air quality in the region.
The Ministry of Environment issued a request for proposal for the study on Dec. 2, with a Jan. 2 closing date. The study is to include the potential of seven LNG terminals, a proposed oil refinery, existing and proposed development through the Prince Rupert Port Authority, gas turbine powered electrical generation facilities and marine and rail transportation related to those industries. As well as looking at the impact to the environment, the study is to examine potential health risks to resident and effects to water, soil and vegetation.
The successful bidder will be required to complete the study and have a final report to the government by May 15, with conclusions from that report to be used in future environmental assessments, permitting and regulatory decisions within the airshed.
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice said she welcomed news of the upcoming study.
"Examining the cumulative impacts of multiple industrial projects in the Prince Rupert area is necessary for well-planned development so this good news," she said.
"As these types of reports are highly technical, my hope is that when complete it is presented in such a way that the public can be well informed about potential impacts and what steps can be taken to mitigate or reduce environmental impact, and risks to human health."