The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) has recently sent a letter to the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission expressing several concerns over TransCanada鈥檚 Coastal GasLink Pipeline project.
READ MORE: Regional district raises LNG concerns
Among the concerns are log and wood fibre utilization. The RDBN is requesting that TransCanada be required to ensure that all wood fibre harvested for pipeline construction is utilized.
鈥淭he long-term loss of forested lands associated with pipeline construction represents a negative impact to the long-term sustainability of the region鈥檚 forest products industries,鈥� states the letter signed by Bill Miller, RDBN Chair. 鈥淭he impact of this loss should be mitigated through the full use of wood fibre harvested along the pipeline route.鈥�
An additional issue related to the use of wood fibre relates to the potential facilitation of the spread of the spruce beetle, according to Miller.
鈥淥ur understanding is that the spruce beetle takes advantage of fallen logs and wood debris in their reproduction process; therefore, an increase in the availability of such materials facilitates spruce beetle population growth,鈥� he said.
For this reason, the RDBN requested that TransCanada be required to ensure that all wood fibre harvested for pipeline construction is utilized, and that wood debris are not left in place.
The spruce beetle is a forest pest that is native to spruce forests and attacks the inner bark of these trees. The infestation is a current concern in some parts of B.C.
READ MORE: Spruce beetle a growing concern
According to Miller, the RDBN is not objecting to LNG pipeline development in the region.
鈥淭he potential opportunity associated with LNG development is recognized; however, it is our responsibility to work with the province and industry in an attempt to maximize the potential benefits to our residents, and minimize the negative impacts and potential risks associated with the construction and operation of the pipeline,鈥� he said.
The RDBN remains concerned that there are no specific commitments regarding the use of local employment in the pipeline construction process, and there are no specific commitments regarding the provision of apprenticeship positions for local employees.
READ MORE: TransCanada grilled over local hiring in northern B.C.
In the letter to the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission, Miller says there are also no specific commitments regarding the use of local businesses, and limited specific commitments regarding the action that will be taken to allow local businesses to take advantage of the opportunity offered by pipeline construction.
The RDBN also raised concerns over invasive plant control, recommending that TransCanada provide annual funding to the Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) as do numerous agencies with right of ways that facilitate the spread of invasive plants.
鈥淭he Coastal GasLink pipeline will facilitate the long-term spread of invasive plants, and these invasive plants will spread from the pipeline onto adjacent lands,鈥� said Miller. 鈥淭he cost of combating these inevitable invasive plant outbreaks from the pipeline will be at the expense of the residents of the RDBN if TransCanada does not contribute to the NWIPC.鈥�
Furthermore, the RDBN is concerned that the LNG industry and the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission will not have an adequate plan in place to accept, evaluate, and respond to public complaints associated with pipeline construction.
Coastal GasLink says the company will continue to work closely with all local communities along the project.
鈥淲e value our relationships with these communities and appreciate the feedback we have already received,鈥� said Jacquelynn Benson, a spokesperson for Coastal GasLink. 鈥�We will continue our ongoing engagement efforts and discussions to answer any questions and address any concerns they may have as we move forward with this important project.鈥�
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