Coastal GasLink fined $213,600

Photo: Coastal GasLink.

construction crews lower in a section of pipe along Section 8 near Kitimat.

The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office has issued a $213,600 fine to Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd.

The step was taken in answer to "erosion and sediment control measures identified by compliance and enforcement officers" during inspections of pipeline construction in Section 8 near Kitimat in February 2022, the EAO said in a statement issued Tuesday.

It was the third time EAO has levied a fine against Coastal GasLink. More than 50 inspections have been carried out along the pipeline construction route since the project started in 2019, with 37 warnings, 17 orders and two prior financial penalties: $72,500 in February 2022; and $170,100 in May 2022.

"Recurring issues with erosion and sediment control over the past year have resulted in ongoing compliance and enforcement action, though more recent inspections are showing improvements on the ground following implementation of a compliance agreement in July 2022," EAO said in the statement.

Compliance and enforcement officers have recommended additional financial penalties from other inspections in 2022, which are under consideration.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline will connect natural gas facilities west of Dawson Creek to the LNG Canada liquid natural gas export facility near Kitimat, which is also under construction.