Dear Editor,
At Woodfibre LNG Limited, we would have to agree with the title of Mr. van Walraven’s latest letter (“Fifteen years makes a big difference,” Dec. 16,2016). If the Woodfibre liquefied natural gas project is granted a National Energy Board export licence for 40 years (instead of the current 25), our project could provide:
- More than 100 jobs at the Woodfibre site and administration type jobs in Squamish, and more than 330 additional local jobs (indirect and induced) during 40 years of operation. These are good paying, family supporting jobs in a community where the cost of housing is skyrocketing.
- an estimated $86.5 million (2014 CAD) in tax revenue for all three levels of government per year of operation.
- 40 years of made in BC LNG from a facility that is powered with clean renewable electricity from BC Hydro being shipped to markets overseas where it can replace dirtier burning fuels.
The Province of British Columbia’s decision in November 2016 to offer the industrial rate to LNG projects that use electricity from BC Hydro to power their facilities (“eDrive”) means Woodfibre LNG will pay the same fair rate as any mine, pulp mill or factory in BC.
Contrary to what Mr. van Walraven writes, in our environmental assessment application, Woodfibre LNG did disclose that the life of the project/length of the export permit may be extended or renewed (See: Section 2.2.7 of the Application). In addition, all of the commitments we made in the application, and the regulatory conditions, plans and permits required for construction and operation will remain in effect for the life of the project, whether it’s 25 or 40 years.
Also contrary to what Mr. Van Walraven writes, the change of cooling technique is the result of our environmental assessment agreement with Squamish Nation.
Following a review of three cooling techniques including our preferred method, seawater cooling, Squamish Nation Chiefs and Councils selected air cooling, and so air cooling is what Woodfibre LNG will use.
Have a question for Woodfibre LNG? Please visit us online at askwoodfibrelng.ca.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Siddon
Associate Vice President, Corporate Communications
