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Pacific NorthWest LNG terminal, pipeline granted B.C. environmental assessment approval

The provincial government has granted environmental assessment approval to Pacific Northwest LNG's proposed terminal on Lelu Island.

The provincial government has granted environmental assessment approval to Pacific Northwest LNG's proposed terminal on Lelu Island and the pipeline that would carry gas from the Northeast to Port Edward.

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman announced the approvals on the afternoon of Nov. 25, noting that approval through a federal environmental assessment process is still needed before the terminal can proceed.

On the certificate, it notes that the two ministers "have considered the application, the assessment report, submissions from the Gitga;at First Nation, Gitxaala Nation and Metlakatla First Nation" during the period between MArch 25, 2013 to Nov. 5, 2014.

As well as the terminal and the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project, the province approved the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission pipeline to carry LNG to Ridley Island.

News of the approval was welcomed by Pacific NorthWest LNG president Michael Culbert, who noted work was ongoing ahead of a final investment decision.

"Pacific NorthWest LNG continues to consult and engage with local First Nations, stakeholders and residents as we move to successfully complete our federal environmental assessment and secure all necessary permits from all levels of government," he said.

"We would like to thank all of those who provided their important feedback through open houses, working groups, town halls, online communication and through the hundreds of personal interactions to-date regarding our project. That feedback helped us craft an Environmental Assessment Application that best reflected the views of the residents of the Northwest."

Look for more on this story as it becomes available.