Fortis小蓝视频 has to the 小蓝视频 Energy Regulator (小蓝视频ER) to discharge water created at two Squamish sites as a result of the construction of its tunnel, which is part of the .
The two sites are at the Woodfibre LNG property on Howe Sound and the 小蓝视频 Rail site.
At Woodfibre, treated water will be released into East Creek, and then into Howe Sound.
At the 小蓝视频 Rail site, the treated water will flow into Squamish River through an existing storm sewer system.
The permit, once approved, would be active throughout the tunnel process, so up to three years.
Currently, the public can comment on the application submitted to the 小蓝视频ER, an agency that regulates oil and gas and geothermal development in the province.
小蓝视频ER's board reports to the 小蓝视频 Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne.
Water is treated
So, is this polluted water they are talking about going into our vital waterways?
Fortis小蓝视频 says no.
Treatment plants will clean the water Fortis小蓝视频 uses both for its operations at the 小蓝视频 Rail location and at the Woodfibre LNG site.
"We've engaged experts to create this robust treatment system and testing program," said Jessica Skjeveland, corporate communications advisor for Fortis小蓝视频.
"Both [sites] use the same processes to ensure water is treated, cleaned and meets 小蓝视频 water quality guidelines before being released into the environment."
The plant has an automated system that stops any flow of water the second any irregularity is detected, she added.
"Another part of the program and system is, as an additional safeguard, we will be also monitoring water quality in the Squamish River, where the treated water will flow into. So, we'll be able to verify that there's no negative impact in the Squamish River."
Why is there water?
But wait, why is water involved in the tunnel construction process at all?
There are lots of reasons construction projects create or use water.
Water is used to cool the Fortis小蓝视频 tunnel boring machines during operation, for example.
At the 小蓝视频 Rail site, water is also a key ingredient in a liquid slurry (mixture) used by the boring machines to transport the excavated materials back to the surface.
"After use, the water will be separated from this mixture and treated to ensure it’s clean before being released into the natural environment," Skjeveland said.
Water is also used for other purposes, such as drilling and cleaning equipment.
Where will the water come from?
At the 小蓝视频 Rail site, Fortis小蓝视频 will get water from a well that has been drilled near the site, which they have a short-term water use permit for.
At the Woodfibre LNG site, the water will be supplied by Woodfibre LNG.
Water will also naturally enter the tunnel during the excavation process, as groundwater inflow.
Public comment about this application can be submitted until Dec. 29, via email to [email protected], with a copy to the energy regulator: [email protected].
(Letters will become part of the public record.)
The regulator will then consider the comments and make a decision on the permit.
**Please note that this story has been corrected since it was first posted, to replace the word regularity with irregularity in speaking of the treatment plant's automated system. We also corrected an underscore that is actually a hyphen in this email: [email protected].
