The ground around FortisBC's tunnel keeps collapsing

November 9, 2024
Tracey Saxby

Drill, baby, drill...

FortisBC is drilling a 14-foot wide, 9 km long tunnel under the Squamish estuary from the BC Rail Site to Woodfibre LNG. But the ground around the tunnel keeps collapsing as the tunnel approaches the Squamish estuary.

Bentonite slurry used to drill the tunnel has leaked to the surface within metres of the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area.

Attempts to stabilize the tunnel using two grout injection rigs are causing additional disturbance to the riparian forest and sensitive habitats.

Check out the video footage. It's shocking. Please like, share, and comment to help us reach more people.

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Ground disturbance from FortisBC's tunnel is metres away from the sensitive wetlands and waterways of the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area.

Squamish estuary is at risk

FortisBC is required to utilize an underground trenchless construction method under the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area to avoid surface disturbance. Whoops!

What happens if the ground keeps collapsing around the tunnel as it goes underneath the Squamish estuary and the river? How will that impact salmon and other wildlife?

FortisBC appears to be failing to comply with its permits... again! We've filed a complaint with the BC Environmental Assessment Office Compliance and Enforcement Branch.

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Love where you live. Defend what you love.

The Squamish estuary is too precious to put at risk.

That's why My Sea to Sky has partnered with the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association to overturn project approvals for Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC, and hold the Federal and Provincial governments to account.

More than 366 generous donors have raised over $131,465 to support our legal actions in the past year. Our goal is $200,000 by the end of 2024 as we prepare to go to court in early 2025. Can you chip in?

Every donation will be matched by a wonderful local donor.

CHIP IN TO SUPPORT OUR LEGAL ACTIONS

We are witnessing the incredible recovery of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, as the herring and salmon and whales return to these precious waters. This past year, our communities have reported seeing more whales in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound than any other year.

We cannot let FortisBC put it all at risk.

Please chip in to defend what you love. Every donation helps.

With fierce determination,

Tracey Saxby

Director of Campaigns & Communications
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 Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound. Can you chip in?