News & Insights
Woodfibre LNG Submits Stormwater and Drainage Permit Application to BC Energy Regulator
Nov 5, 2026
Woodfibre LNG has submitted an application to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) for an effluent discharge permit under British Columbia’s Environmental Management Act. The application is part of the regulatory process to prepare the Woodfibre LNG facility for commissioning, startup and future operations.
The application outlines how stormwater runoff and drainage water from the facility will be collected, managed and treated before discharge, including measures designed to protect the surrounding environment.
Located approximately seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, Woodfibre LNG is situated within the traditional territory of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
During commissioning and operations, rainwater and drainage water may come into contact with industrial infrastructure, equipment and operational areas. The facility has been designed with separate drainage systems to manage water according to its potential for contamination.
Managing Stormwater and Drainage
Woodfibre LNG has incorporated systems into the facility’s design to collect and manage stormwater runoff and drainage water based on the potential presence of contaminants.
Water collected from equipment areas that may contain contaminants will be directed to an Oily Water Treatment System (OWTS) or transported off-site for appropriate disposal.
The treatment system is designed to remove petroleum hydrocarbons and suspended solids from collected water before it is discharged. Treated water will be directed through the facility’s drainage system to an existing discharge point into Howe Sound, known as Outfall 10.
Discharges of treated water are expected primarily during rainfall events, with occasional discharges during dry conditions.
The permit application establishes proposed discharge limits for petroleum hydrocarbons and suspended solids, providing a regulatory framework for managing water discharged from the facility during future operations.
Application Review and Public Comment
The application is subject to review by the BC Energy Regulator as part of its environmental permitting process.
An Environmental Protection Notice, provides a summary of the proposed discharge, treatment measures and discharge limits.
Members of the public who may be adversely affected by the proposed discharge can submit written comments within 30 days of the last date the notice is posted, published, served or displayed.
Comments can be submitted to Woodfibre LNG at [email protected], with a copy to the BC Energy Regulator at [email protected].
The full application and Environmental Protection Notice are available for public review:
A printed copy of the application will be available for review at the Squamish Public Library.
This permitting process is an important part of preparing the facility for safe operations while ensuring stormwater and drainage are managed in accordance with applicable environmental requirements.
Join Us at Our Upcoming Community Open Houses
Woodfibre LNG is hosting open houses in Squamish and Britannia Beach this November and December to share information about two environmental permit applications related to air emissions and effluent (stormwater and drainage). Join us to learn more about the applications, ask questions and connect with our team.
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