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Sentinel
Northern
www.northernsentinel.com
Volume 57 No. 21
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
1.34 INCLUDES TAX
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Shell announces LNG partnership Shell Canada announced a partnership with three Asian companies to build a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Kitimat on May 15. Shell will own 40 per cent of what’s being called LNG Canada with Korea Gas Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Ltd. each owning 20 per cent. “LNG Canada would connect the abundant supply of Canadian natural gas to growing markets around the world. This also begins the formal consultation process with First Nations and local community residents regarding the project,” a press release stated. This would be the third LNG plant for the Kitimat area, increasing its importance in the world export market for the commodity. “Our combined expertise, and our focus on technological innovation in delivering safe and environmentally sound LNG projects around the globe, ensures that our LNG Canada project would be well-suited to deliver long-term value for British Columbia and increase access to new export markets for Canada,” says Jose-Alberto Lima, Vice President LNG Americas, Shell Energy Resources Company. The proposed LNG Canada project includes the design, construction and operation of a gas liquefaction plant and facilities for the storage and export of liquefied natural gas
(LNG), including marine off-loading facilities and shipping. LNG Canada will initially consist of two LNG processing units referred to as “trains,” each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually, with an option to expand the project in the future, the press release stated. “LNG Canada can create significant economic benefit for the province, First Nations, local communities and the region. Such a project can create thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of fulltime, permanent jobs during operations. Such a significant energy project can also bring indirect economic development opportunities to the region,” the press release adds. A website set up to provide information on the project indicates the partnership will fill a project description later this year as a step toward undertaking a regula- A sign identifying Shell Canada at the entrance to the former Methanex site. Shell has announced their partnership to develop a tory review. Continued on page 2 proposed LNG facility.
No local stop for JRP?
Dance Kitimat had its year-end dance recital “J’aime la Danse” on Sunday May 6. Students from ages four to 21 entertained a crowd of over 300. Shown is ballet piece “Castle Spirit” performed by senior students. (Mariah Carvalho, Sherryanne Smeader, Alyssa Gibaldi, Ayla Slanina, Sarah Chaulk, Sarafina Obakpee and Morgan Johnson) Photo by Dwight Magee
Cameron Orr As the Joint Review Panel approaches the conclusion of hearings relating to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project, Kitimat may be left in the dust in favour of other communities for the questioning phase and the final hearings. The JRP announced their plans for a procedural conference to take place on May 30 in Calgary. The conference will seek input on procedural issues relating to the final hearings, explained the Procedural Direction 7 document which was distributed late last week. Within the document, it said that the questioning phase is expected to be held in Prince Rupert, Prince George, and in either Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta. “These locations are centrally located, have adequate facilities and reasonable transportation access,” the document said. It further asks “would fewer than three locations be appropriate?” Witness questioning will be done at each location based on the local issues. In Prince Rupert, they outline the issues as impacts on Aboriginal interests, environmental effects, socioeconomic effects, consultation (public and Aboriginal groups), and safety and accident prevention. Continued on page 3
Fields store to remain open ... page 3