Squamish Nation announces decision on Woodfibre LNG plant cooling technology

SQUAMISH, BC – Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council have voted to select air cooling as the cooling technique Woodfibre LNG Limited will use to cool its liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility.

The choice of cooling technology is one of 13 conditions in Squamish Nation’s Environmental Assessment Agreement and Environmental Certificate for the proposed Woodfibre LNG Project, which was announced last year (October 14, 2015).

Prior to making its decision, the Squamish Nation conducted an independent review of Woodfibre LNG’s preferred cooling technology, seawater cooling, as well as two alternative options – air cooling and air cooling with freshwater spray.  The review incorporated scientific and environmental analysis alongside traditional and current culture use and values of the Squamish Nation. An analysis of the effects of the three cooling techniques on LNG production was also part of the review.

Air cooling was found to have the least environmental effects, from a Squamish Nation perspective, of the three cooling technologies that were reviewed. It was also recognized that air cooling may reduce LNG production by about 2%.

“From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to building a better project, and to upholding a higher standard for industrial projects,” said Byng Giraud, Country Manager and Vice President, Corporate Affairs Woodfibre LNG Limited. “By agreeing to participate in the Squamish Nation Process, and by implementing these conditions, we are meeting our objectives.”

Other conditions of the Squamish Nation Agreement include (but are not limited to):

• No LNG carrier travelling to the Woodfibre site will bunker in Squamish Nation territory
• No expansion of Woodfibre LNG operations without Squamish Nation consent
• We will co-manage environmental management plans

The Squamish Nation Process is likely the first of its kind in Canada; one that protects traditional land, water and heritage resources, and brings responsible economic opportunity to the region.

To learn more about the Squamish Nation Process, please visit the Squamish Nation web site.