FortisBC says construction on the Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline (EGP) project is expected to begin mid-2022, and 100 to over 600 people are expected to be hired.
The project will expand a portion of the company’s existing natural gas transmission system, which was built in 1991 to serve Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
It involves adding about 47 kilometres of new 24-inch pipe, beginning north of the Coquitlam watershed and ending at the proposed Woodfibre LNG site.
Some of the work is expected to be year-round while other aspects are more seasonal in nature.
Initially, the project is expected to create 100 jobs with peak workforce numbers expected to be in the summer of 2024.
Jessica Skjeveland, Corporate Communications Advisor for FortisBC, said the company was eager to promote local and indigenous workers and businesses and would encourage its contractors to do so.
“We will continue to promote these local opportunities once prime contractors have been selected for the gas pipeline, tunnel and facilities components of the project,” she said.
Construction on the pipeline and the compressor facilities will begin in mid-2022 and include preparation activities such as clearing, fencing and enabling road access. It is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
“FortisBC will avoid the peak tourist summer season in the Squamish area wherever possible,” Jessica said.
Although the route hasn’t been finalized, the new pipeline will follow the existing gas pipeline route to limit new impacts, although in some cases, that may not be possible.
In that case, the company says, it would achieve the shortest possible route, minimize crossings of streams and rivers, avoid sensitive terrain and known archaeological and heritage sites.
“We have proposed four project amendments currently under review by the EAO, some of which would alter certain aspects of the route. Squamish Nation is also reviewing the proposed amendments in a parallel, harmonized process alongside the EAO,” Jessica said.
