The operator of a significant LNG export facility on the North Coast of British Columbia has been fined $50,000 for violating underwater noise regulations during the construction of a tug terminal three years ago. The tug terminal was part of Phase 1 of LNG Canada’s natural gas liquefaction and export plant in Kitimat, which commenced operations last year.
The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) of British Columbia issued a decision on September 17, stating that LNG Canada (LNGC) breached its environmental assessment certificate while conducting pile-driving activities on multiple occasions in May and June of 2023. The office determined that the company did not comply with its marine mammal management and monitoring plan (MMP).
According to the findings, LNG Canada did not adequately monitor underwater acoustics at the expected marine mammal exclusion zone boundary, failed to deploy sufficient marine mammal observers, and did not use noise-reducing bubble curtains during all pile-driving operations, as required by its MMP.
In response to the EAO’s decision, LNG Canada disputed the allegations, citing a procedural issue regarding consultation with regulators before modifying its monitoring plan. The company claimed that using vibratory instead of impact pile-driving methods eliminated the need for the originally designated exclusion zone.
However, the regulator rejected LNG Canada’s arguments, emphasizing that the approved MMP conditions were not open to interpretation or modification. The decision underscored that the company was obligated to adhere to the approved MMP without deviation.
A spokesperson for LNG Canada stated that the company was reviewing the EAO’s final determination and had taken concrete steps to address the non-compliance issues raised. The company had also enhanced its monitoring and compliance efforts, including developing an updated marine monitoring plan approved by the province in 2025.
The federal government has recognized LNG Canada as a project of national significance. In late September, the company confirmed its plans to proceed with a $33-billion Phase 2 expansion, which will double the plant’s LNG production capacity from 14 million to 28 million tonnes annually.