The Province will fund a $500,000 scientific study to help inform future decisions on industrial development within the Prince Rupert airshed while examining any potential environmental and health impacts.

The study will include a thorough review and analysis of the cumulative effects of existing and proposed industrial air emissions in the airshed. These include emissions from:

• Seven proposed LNG terminals,
• A proposed oil refinery,
• Existing and proposed Prince Rupert Port Authority development,
• Gas turbine powered electrical generation facilities and
• Related rail and marine transportation.

The study will assess the impact of emissions through a number of potential scenarios or case studies, including their potential effects on surface water, soils, vegetation, and human health.

A Request for Proposals to conduct the study was issued today and will close on Jan. 2, 2015. The successful proponent will be required to complete the study and submit a final report to government by May 15, 2015. Conclusions from the study will be used to inform environmental assessment work as well as future permitting and regulatory decisions for LNG and other industrial proponents in the Prince Rupert airshed.

The Request for Proposals can be found at: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/welcome

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834