Energy solutions for every customer

Transcription

1 Energy solutions for every customer FortisBC works hard to ensure the energy our customers rely on is there whenever they need it. From electricity and natural gas, including natural gas for transportation, to propane and thermal energy, we provide solutions. Number of customers FortisBC serves: 1.1million Number of communities served: 135 Number of people FortisBC employs throughout the province: 2,200 Planned investment over the next five years: $2billion Annual property taxes paid by FortisBC to B.C. communities: $74.4million

2 B.C. natural gas As a natural gas provider, we purchase and transport gas on behalf of our nearly one million customers around the province. Producers extract the gas we buy for your homes and businesses from areas in northeastern B.C. More than 50% of gas produced in B.C. is obtained Fort Nelson through a process known as hydraulic fracturing. What we know: Hudson s Hope B.C. has been producing natural gas for more than 50 years. Mackenzie Hydraulic fracturing has been occurring for decades. That Prince George extensive experience enabled government to put strict regulations in place and monitor activities. Williams What we do: Revelstoke We expect producers in the province to follow provincial regulations Campbell River Powell River Whistler Kamloops Enderby Lumby Kelowna Kaslo Elkford as part of B.C. s commitment to responsible resource development. Port Alberni Nanaimo Vancouver Victoria Hope Princeton Osoyoos Trail Cranbrook We re leading the way in terms of technology and innovation in developing biogas, which Offsetters designated as carbon neutral in B.C. FortisBC gas customers can choose Natural gas service area Electric service area Combined natural gas & electric service area Propane service area FortisBC pipeline Spectra Energy pipeline FortisBC electric transmission lines 100% renewable natural gas and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing one car from the road each year.

3 Vancouver Island gas transmission system Built in the early 1990s, the pipeline starts north of Coquitlam, runs northwest to Squamish, underneath the Squamish Estuary, down through In 2009, we expanded the system and built a pipeline to convert the Resort Municipality of Whistler to natural gas from piped propane. the Sunshine Coast, then across Texada Island to Powell River and Vancouver Island. Campbell River Powell River MALASPINA STRAIT Courtenay STRAIT OF GEORGIA Texada Island Sechelt Coquitlam STRAIT OF GEORGIA Port Alberni Nanaimo Harmac Crofton Ganges PACIFIC OCEAN Vancouver Island Pipeline Sooke Victoria

4 Project overview The purpose of FortisBC s proposed project is to provide natural gas transportation service to a new liquefied natural gas facility being proposed by Woodfibre LNG Ltd., southwest of Squamish, B.C. What we know: The capacity of the existing section of pipeline between Woodfibre and Coquitlam is insufficient to serve the proposed Woodfibre LNG facility. What we ll need to do: Build about 47 kilometres of 24-inch pipeline starting north of Coquitlam and ending at Woodfibre. Upgrade our existing Eagle Mountain and Port Mellon compressor stations and build a new compressor station in Squamish. For more information, please see the application, Section 1 Proposed Project Overview.

5 Valued components The Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project is subject to an environmental assessment review under the BC Environmental Assessment Act. FortisBC engaged third-party experts to conduct environmental and socio-economic studies, and to assess the potential construction and operation-related effects of the proposed project. We ve also been meeting with local residents, community stakeholders, Aboriginal groups and our regulators for nearly two years to discuss the project and learn about what s important to you. Assessments and studies included in FortisBC s application include, but are not limited to, the following Valued Components (VC): Environmental: Soil Capability Terrain Integrity Acid Rock Drainage Acoustic Environment Air Quality Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Surface Water Groundwater Fish and Fish Habitat Terrestrial Vegetation Wetland Function Economic, Social, Heritage and Health: Economy Employment and Labour Force Community Utilities and Services Transportation Infrastructure and Facilities Community Land and Resources Heritage Resources Human Health Ecological Health Selecting and finalizing the VCs involved joint input from Aboriginal communities, the public and regulatory agencies. For more information, please see the application, Section Identification and Selection of Valued Components.

6 Route selection To determine the best possible route, our engineers and third-party experts looked at options to carry out the proposed project. The process involved: identifying possible routes for the proposed pipeline developing, revising and refining possible routes selecting an appropriate size of pipe researching a possible location for a new compressor station in Squamish The route we re proposing for the expanded section of pipeline is based on our assessments and our discussions with Aboriginal groups, the public, local communities, other stakeholders and our regulators. What we ve found: Building the expanded section of pipeline in parallel to our existing transmission pipeline minimizes environmental, cultural and archaeological impacts. Trenchless construction was used in the 90s to install the existing pipeline underneath the Squamish Estuary. What we ll do: Build the new section of pipeline generally in parallel with the existing 10-inch pipeline. Use the advanced construction methods and technologies to mitigate impacts, avoid culturally sensitive areas and ensure safe operation of the pipeline. Investigate trenchless construction methods like horizontal directional drilling to install pipe underneath busy urban areas, buried utilities and environmentally sensitive areas. For more information, please see the application, Section 1 Proposed Project Overview.

7 Proposed route Based on the assessments and studies, we believe the optimal route for the proposed project is to build the new pipeline generally parallel to a portion of the existing transmission pipeline. The new section of pipeline will start north of the Coquitlam watershed in Metro Vancouver. Construction will occur as close to the existing pipeline as possible with exceptions to avoid: environmentally and culturally sensitive areas natural hazards areas that negatively impact safe operation of the new pipeline The pipeline will be buried, except where aerial crossings may be used. FortisBC will also use advanced construction techniques, including trenchless technologies to build in busy urban areas and the Squamish Estuary. FRASER VALLEY Taquat s Proposed Squamish Compressor Station Brackendale Eagles Park ver SQUAMISH Ri ng Creek Skookum Creek Mamquam River Pitt R EAG GAS lt e Woodfibre Sylvia Henriette Brennan s Woodfibre i SKWELWIL'EM SQUAMISH ESTUARY Squamish R Squamish Harbour Murrin Park Britannia Creek Stawamus Chief Park Stawamus Chief Protected Area Shannon Falls Park S tawamus River Utopia Stawam us River SQUAMISH-LILLOOET Clarion November Pinecone UV 99 " Omer Indian River Boise Creek er Ramillies Channel Montagu Channel Porteau Cove Park Deeks s Furry Creek Beth Macklin Capilano River Loch Lomond Orchid Seymour River Forestry GREATER VANCOUVER Creek Brandt Creek Indian Rive H Norton ixon Creek Anne Pinecone Burke Pa Barnes Hixon Creek Warner Lak Disappointmen * Total wid 0 2

8 Fish and fish habitat Qualified environmental professionals conducted an evaluation of fish and fish habitat potentially affected by the proposed project. Data was analyzed to determine stream classifications, in-stream work windows and fish and fish habitat sensitivity rankings. This information was used to identify potential effects to fish and fish habitat and to propose measures to reduce or avoid adverse effects. What we learned: The proposed project crosses the South Coast Rivers and Fraser River watersheds, including 145 watercourses and 223 drainages. There are 46 fish species known to occur in the regional study area, including species of federal and provincial management interest (e.g. part of a commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fishery) and special conservation status (e.g. Green Sturgeon and Eulachon). What we ll do: Follow regional, provincial and federal standards and requirements to reduce adverse effects to fish and fish habitat. Implement an environmental management plan to protect water quality. Implement a restoration plan to restore fish habitat disturbed during construction. Implement a five-year postconstruction monitoring program to evaluate and report on the success of restoration efforts and identify areas that require maintenance. We ll also conduct regular aerial and ground monitoring during operations.

9 Social Our assessment of social valued components took into account current and planned uses of the land, and how communities may be affected by the construction and operation of the proposed project. Our assessment concluded that residual adverse effects on these social valued components and the cumulative adverse effects are not significant. What we ll do: Take appropriate measures to mitigate potential effects of the proposed project on community utilities and services, transportation infrastructure, quality of life, and land and resource use. Consult with potentially affected Aboriginal groups and stakeholders. Implement an adaptive approach to managing issues and concerns that may arise.

10 Heritage Our assessment of adverse heritage effects considers historic, archaeological, and paleontological sites. It concluded that adverse and cumulative effects on heritage resources are not significant. What we ll do: FortisBC is completing an archaeological impact assessment for the proposed project, which is considered to mitigate any potential adverse effects on heritage resources. Protect heritage resources primarily through avoidance, where feasible. If necessary, develop effects mitigation strategies with the guidance and approval of the BC Archaeology Branch and the BC Oil and Gas Commission.

11 Health Our assessment took into account five key indicators: noise, respiratory health, drinking water quality, soil and sediment quality, and country foods quality. What we know: The project is anticipated to cause noise disturbance from vehicle and equipment activities. Some residents directly adjacent to the proposed project could be affected by constructionrelated noise. Predicted emissions from the proposed project are considered to What we ll do: Construct the pipeline to Canadian safety standards to reduce fugitive emissions during the operations phase. Reduce venting to lessen methane and volatile organic compound emissions. Adopt electric compressors to reduce noise and operational emissions. be low to negligible in magnitude.

12 Economy and employment We make investments with local communities in mind. Our assessment considered the economy and employment, with a focus on the key indicators of government revenue, contracts and procurement, employment training and labour force. Potential economic benefits Employment The project will generate Estimated construction spending from 2014 to 2017: an estimated 1,144 person years of direct employment $520million during construction. Contractors and goods and services providers will offer Estimated tax revenue to the provincial and federal governments during the construction phase of the project: on-the-job training and skills upgrading to entry-level and apprentice workers, where practical. $84million The project will generate a small number of permanent positions Estimated tax revenues for all three levels of government during operations:* during operations. Potential benefits to FortisBC customers $107million Providing natural gas transportation service to Woodfibre LNG will directly *Over the 50-year operating life of the proposed project. benefit our existing gas customers in the form of lower gas delivery rates. For more information, please see the application, Section 1.6 Project Benefits.

13 Maintaining our natural gas system FortisBC s natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline systems have an excellent safety record. We inspect and upgrade our natural gas system on an ongoing basis in accordance with Canadian codes and standards. This includes 24/7 remote monitoring, performing regular in-line inspections and conducting monthly aerial right of way inspections to prevent any potential risks to our pipeline. Our ongoing maintenance and new investments ensure customers have access to the energy they need at all times. For more information, please see the application, Section 16 Accidents or Malfunctions. Maintenance tools called pigs allow us to perform in-line inspections without having to stop the flow of natural gas to our customers.

14 Eagle Mountain compressor station The existing Eagle Mountain compressor station in Coquitlam currently operates with three compressor units fuelled by natural gas. We ll need to add two new compressor units on the existing site to support the pipeline expansion. The power output of the current station is 21,000 horsepower. After the upgrades, the total maximum output of the facility will be about 60,000 horsepower. What we heard: The Eagle Mountain compressor station coexists with local residences and businesses, but some people were concerned about What we ll do: We listened to public feedback and will install electrically driven compressors, which will help reduce noise and greenhouse gas emissions. increased noise and emissions from expanded operations. For more information, please see the application, Section 1 Proposed Project Overview.

15 Port Mellon compressor station Our existing Port Mellon compressor station is located about 11 kilometres from Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. It s a small station that currently houses one 7,000 horsepower natural gas fuelled compressor unit. We ll need to install another gas powered compressor unit at this facility. It will be smaller than the current unit (6,000 horsepower). What we know: The existing station provides sufficient compression for the current system, but lacks operational flexibility. What we ll do: We ll install a second compressor that can provide more flexibility during times of lower demand typically in the warm summer months. For more information, please see the application, Section 1 Proposed Project Overview.

16 Squamish compressor station We looked at several possible locations for compressor stations in or near Squamish. After reviewing possible options and listening to public feedback, we re planning to build a new compressor station on a 12-acre parcel of land at the intersection of Industrial Way and Queens Way, inside the Squamish industrial area. The new station will house two electric-driven compressor units (16,600 horsepower). Only one will operate at any given time. What we know: The compressor station must be located midway between existing compressor stations and close to a source of electricity. Local residents were concerned about possible increased noise and greenhouse gas emissions. What we ll do: Choose a location in the more central part of the industrial area to best address the needs and concerns of the community while adhering to the District of Squamish s Official Community Plan. Install electric-driven compressor units to address public feedback on noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Build the Squamish compressor station using state-of-the-art technology to reduce noise as much as possible, including insulating materials, noise filtration systems and possibly surrounding the facility with a natural hedge to further reduce noise levels. Operate one compressor at any time. For more information, please see the application, Section 1 Proposed Project Overview.

17 Emergency preparedness Emergency preparedness is woven into our culture. Our natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline systems have an excellent safety record. Compressor station safety The proposed Squamish compressor station will be staffed by a minimum of two FortisBC employees. The station will be equipped with a nitrogen/water suppression system that will be immediately triggered by heat, fire or smoke detection. In the unlikely event of a situation, we would initiate emergency shutdown procedures either, automatically, remotely or manually, if required. Pipeline safety Our natural gas pipelines have block valves to stop the flow of gas for maintenance purposes or in the unlikely event of an emergency. Valves are located at specific intervals, depending how populated an area is along the pipeline route. There will be four block valve locations for the proposed pipeline expansion. We can manually close the valves or do it remotely from our central control centre that monitors the system 24-hours a day. Pressure sensitive valves may be automatically closed if the system senses a reduction in pressure. For more information, please see the application, Section 16 Accidents or Malfunctions.

18 Protecting the Squamish Estuary At FortisBC, we are responsible in all our operations and diligently mitigate impact to the environment. FortisBC proposes the use of horizontal directional drilling technology (HDD) to install a segment of the pipeline through the Estuary. HDD means that the pipe would be installed by drilling metres underneath the Estuary, minimizing any impacts to the surface.

19 Investigative work To successfully install pipelines using trenchless construction, we need to first gather data and soil samples to ensure the ground conditions are suitable for this type of work. We ve developed a robust Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that must be followed whenever Qualified Environmental and Archaeological Monitors will be onsite for the duration of all work to ensure compliance with the EMP. For more information, please see the application, Section 23 Environmental Management Plan and Section 24 Follow-up Programs. investigative work takes place. Compressor Station Option Compressor Station Option

20 Minimizing construction impacts A trenchless construction method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD) was used in 1990 to install the existing 10-inch pipeline that runs underneath the Squamish Estuary. We use HDD and other trenchless technologies to install gas pipelines underneath major roads, streams and rivers, and culturally sensitive sites because it minimizes potential impacts. If the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project is approved, we will use a trenchless technology to install the new pipeline underneath the Squamish Estuary, as well as below Highway 99 at Industrial Way. Horizontal directional drilling allows us to get our gas lines in the ground without having to dig a trench.

21 Aboriginal groups Developing mutually-beneficial working relationships with First Nations is important to us. Understanding, respect, open communication and trust continue to be our aim when working with Aboriginal groups throughout the province. Our team members are actively involved with the following local First Nations: Squamish Nation Tsleil-Waututh Nation Kwikwetlem First Nation Musqueam First Nation

22 Feedback This is one of two open houses being held as part of the 45-day Public Comment Period on the Environmental Assessment Certificate Application for the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project. It s your opportunity to: Meet members of FortisBC s project team and ask questions about the project. Meet members of the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and ask questions about the BC Environmental Assessment Process. Provide feedback on the our Environmental Assessment Certificate Application. Tell the EAO what you think: EAO invites you to provide feedback on the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) Application through the following ways: By online form: By mail: Michael Shepard Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9V1 By fax: EAO publishes all comments received within the public comment period that meet the criteria of EAO s Public Comment Policy, available on its website.