Woodfibre LNG Withdraws Floatel Permit Application in Squamish

Woodfibre LNG, the company behind a natural gas project near Squamish, B.C., has made the decision to withdraw its application for a local permit to house workers in a converted cruise ship. This decision came after a provincial order was issued by the British Columbia government agency, which mandated that workers must be housed on the vessel in Howe Sound by Friday.

The District of Squamish had yet to issue a temporary use permit for the floatel, which has been a topic of debate in recent council meetings. Woodfibre LNG’s president, Christine Kennedy, stated that the terms of the proposed district permit are no longer applicable in light of the provincial order.

An inspection record from the B.C. assessment office revealed that the liquefied natural gas project requires workers who did not live in Squamish before September 20, 2023, to reside on the floatel unless granted an exemption. The company had been housing workers in locations that were not compliant with their environmental assessment certificate.

In response to the compliance order, Woodfibre withdrew its application for the district permit, indicating that the order negated the need for such a permit. The company is now preparing to move the floatel to the designated area to accommodate the workforce as mandated by the order.

While the district had previously raised concerns about the safety and environmental impact of the floatel plan, Woodfibre remains committed to working closely with the District of Squamish. The company stated that it would collaborate with district staff on next steps if a permit is to be issued in the presence of an existing order.

It is clear that regulatory compliance is a top priority for Woodfibre LNG, and they are taking the necessary steps to adhere to the requirements set forth by the assessment office. Despite the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding the floatel project, the company is focused on meeting all regulatory conditions and working towards a resolution with the local authorities.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Woodfibre LNG navigates the complexities of the permit process while remaining in compliance with the provincial order. The company’s commitment to regulatory transparency and cooperation with the District of Squamish is essential in moving the project forward in a responsible and sustainable manner.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of the floatel permit application marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of the natural gas project near Squamish. With all eyes on Woodfibre LNG and the District of Squamish, the next steps in this process will undoubtedly shape the future of the project and its impact on the local community.

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