LOCAL FIRST NATIONS OPPOSE THE EAGLE MOUNTIAN WOODFIBRE LNG PIPELINE APPROVAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 2016
LOCAL FIRST NATIONS OPPOSE THE EAGLE MOUNTIAN WOODFIBRE LNG PIPELINE APPROVAL
VANCOUVER – The Musqueam and Tsleil-‐Waututh Nations (the Nations) are opposed to the issuance of the BC Environmental Assessment Certificate for the FortisBC Eagle Mountain-‐ Woodfibre LNG gas pipeline that would feed the Woodfibre LNG export facility located in Howe Sound.
The proposed pipeline transects both of the Nations territories and is planned to travel through sensitive ecological and cultural areas. The Nations made it clear to the province that there were fundamental faults in the environmental assessment process and more time was required to address Musqueam and Tsleil-‐Waututh’s concerns.
Chief Wayne Sparrow said, “Once again we are faced with a provincial assessment process that was flawed from the start. To approve the FortisBC gas pipeline project where Musqueam was not even formally recognized in the consultation process, despite it being within Musqueam territory, is wrong”. Despite Musqueam’s repeated requests to be included in formal consultation, the province refused and has pushed ahead with project approvals.
Similarly, the Tsleil-‐Waututh Nation has voiced consistent concerns with the assessment process that were never addressed. Paramount of these concerns was that the proposed pipeline route would destroy several significant cultural sites. Chief Maureen Thomas stated, “In our community, the protection of significant cultural and archeological sites is of the highest priority. We were shocked to learn that neither the proponents nor the province would agree to reroute the pipeline around all vital sites. This is an unacceptable outcome for us and unfortunate proof that the province is moving too fast and just not listening”.
The area that the pipeline will cross is significant for the Nations as it affects one of the last remaining wild spaces within the territories. Approving such a project without the proper involvement of the Nations could lead to long term environmental impacts, in addition to infringement to the Nations rights and title. The Nations are seeking certainty including mitigation from impacts to cultural sites, environmental impacts, revenue sharing, training and employment, and historic compensation, amoung other requirements for consent.
Musqueam and Tsleil-‐Waututh Nations view that the pipeline approval process is being rushed to meet political timelines and in doing so, do not meet the standard for achieving the Nations consent. The Chiefs have written to the Ministers of Natural Gas Development and Environment to request a meeting to discuss next steps.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Musqueam: Gordon Grant, Communications Officer, protocol@musqueam.bc.ca Tsleil-‐Waututh: Sarah Thomas, 604-‐358-‐3371, media@twnation.ca
