Permission to pollute?
July 12, 2023
Rhiannon Fox
Woodfibre LNG has applied for a permit from the B.C. Energy Regulator (BCER) to discharge millions of cubic metres of toxic construction effluent into Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.
Late last year, Woodfibre LNG also applied to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to weaken the conditions of its environmental assessment certificate so that it is not held accountable for disturbing pre-existing contaminants from the old pulp and paper mill, and to limit its responsibility to protect all aquatic life.
Woodfibre LNG wants to discharge an average of 1,600 cubic metres of toxic effluent per day for over four years during construction, with a maximum daily discharge of 30,000 cubic metres. That's 12 olympic swimming pools!
Possible contaminants include:
Heavy metals
Copper, lead, zinc, and vanadium are expected to exceed water quality guidelines and will be discharged into the foreshore in Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound. This will result in accumulation or build-up of persistent toxic contaminants in the sediments and waters, and has the potential to harm local aquatic wildlife such as fish, bivalves, and algae.
Dioxins and furans
Construction activities are likely to remobilize toxic organic chemicals including dioxins and furans, which are a legacy from the pulp and paper mill. These chemicals are known to be harmful to wildlife and human health.
Total suspended solids
Total suspended solids are expected to be low risk to aquatic life, but will require constant monitoring to ensure sediments do not smother benthic organisms, such as rockweed and herring eggs, or block the penetration of sunlight into the water column.
pH
Woodfibre LNG is proposing discharge release of 5.5 to 9.0 pH, which exceeds the upper and lower limits of Canadian guidelines of 7.0 to 8.7 pH required for protection of marine aquatic life.
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Take action! Send a letter to Minister Guilbeault!
We can still stop this from happening and hold Woodfibre LNG accountable for its pollution. Minister Guilbeault has not yet approved the changes Woodfibre LNG has requested to weaken the conditions of its environmental assessment certificate.
Tell him to hold Woodfibre LNG to the highest standards based on the latest science.
SEND A LETTER NOW!Help us hire an expert in toxicology
We have hired an expert in environmental toxicology to help us to review both FortisBC and Woodfibre LNG's applications to the BC Energy Regulator to discharge effluent into the Squamish River and Howe Sound, but we need to raise $6,300 to pay for their time to review these two massive applications.
Last week 67 amazing donors helped us raise $5,330, but we're still a bit short.
Can you chip in to help us hire the expertise we need to hold FortisBC and Woodfibre LNG accountable?
Yes! I'll chip inThis expert has already flagged that "Woodfibre LNG's proposed effluent discharge exceeds water quality guidelines" and "will result in accumulation or build-up of many persistent toxic contaminants in the sediments and waters of Howe Sound."
Our communities have worked for decades to clean up the toxic legacy of past industries in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound. We cannot allow Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC to pollute these fragile and recovering ecosystems again.
We will continue to hold these two companies accountable with your support.
With gratitude,
Rhiannon Fox
Campaign Coordinator
My Sea to Sky
My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and powered by the passion of our volunteers. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. Can you chip in?