Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd. (CGL) has been handed a $170,000 fine for non-compliance with conditions and orders related to erosion and sediment control.
The fine was issued by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) after several inspections by compliance and enforcement officers.
Inspections have found repeated issues with erosion and sediment control, the Province said.
“The EAO takes very seriously matters of compliance with the conditions of all environmental assessment certificates,” noted a release from the Province.
“More than 40 inspections have been carried out along the CGL pipeline construction route since the project began in 2019, with 37 warnings, 16 orders and two administrative penalties issued.”
CGL’s 2014 environmental assessment certificate requires implementation of an environmental management plan.
That includes measures to protect sensitive wetlands and waterways from sediments caused by erosion that can negatively impact water quality and fish habitat.
“Several inspections between October 2021 and April 2022 in various locations along the construction right-of-way found ongoing non-compliance related to erosion and sediment control,” added the Province.
“The financial penalties mark an escalation of enforcement action to address the issues.”
This is the second major fine for CGL in three months, as the first $72,500 fine was handed down in February.
The EAO will continue to actively monitor the conditions of the environmental assessment certificate of the CGL project to ensure potential impacts to the environment and wildfire are mitigated.
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