Westcoast Energy Inc (an Enbridge company) is proposing to expand sections of the southern of its natural gas pipeline system in the Prince George area.
The proposed work, slated within the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George is called the Sunrise Expansion Program.
It is expected to involve adding pipeline loops, which are sections of the pipe added to the existing pipeline system to increase capacity. Upgrades to existing compressor stations are also proposed, to help push the additional natural gas through.
A total of 77 kilometres (km) of 42-inch diameter pipeline loops are proposed for five different locations:
- About 18 km from north of Kennedy, B.C. to compressor station 3, north of MacLeod Lake
- About 13.6 km from south of MacLeod Lake to north of Summit Lake
- About 19.7 km from compressor station 4A, east of Summit Lake, to north of Salmon Valley
- About 4.8 km from north of Woodpecker to compressor station 4B (CS-4B), north of Hixon
- About 20.9 km from CS-4B to south of Hixon
Enbridge filed an application for the project to the Canada Energy Regulator on May 30th.
The project will now undergo a regulatory review process, which includes a public hearing.
If approved, construction is expected to start as early as the second quarter of 2026, with the project being fully operating by the end of 2028.
During peak construction, over 1,400 workers are expected to be employed for the pipeline work and over 150 workers for the compressor station work.
“We are excited to continue to work with the local communities and Indigenous groups as we move forward with the Sunrise Expansion Program. Their input and feedback have been used to design and make this project better.”
“If approved, construction of this project will bring jobs and economic benefits to local communities and businesses.”
“For almost 70 years, our natural gas pipeline system in B.C. has been transporting natural gas to communities in the region and beyond. This project is a continuation of our commitment to deliver the energy people need and use every day,” said Ali Hendi, Major Projects Manager, Enbridge.
Over $2.4 million is expected to be paid in municipal property taxes within the RDFFG over a 35-year period. The money will help pay for schools, hospitals, roads and, other public infrastructure.
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