07/18/2014 02:51 EDT | Updated 09/17/2014 05:59 EDT



Environment Minister Mary Polak said the government-funded, independent report concludes that with the proper management, Kitimat's airshed can safely accommodate industrial growth.


The airshed assessment looked at Rio Tinto Alcan's existing smelter and its upgrade project, a proposed oil refinery, four proposed liquefied-natural-gas facilities, the BC Hydro gas turbine facility, and the predicted increase in marine shipping.

"The study tells us that with proper management there is significant capacity in the Kitimat airshed to safely accommodate industrial growth, while still protecting human health and the environment," said Polak at a news conference. "This report is helping shape management strategies to protect air quality, human health and our overall environment."




That prompted Prof. Douw Steyn of the University of B.C.'s earth, oceans and atmospheric sciences department, to state that business, government and the community must have a better idea of the area's environmental capabilities before massive development occurs.


Smith said Kitimat's pollution problems would be greatly reduced if the government required the proposed LNG plants to use electric power instead of natural gas.

"If the industry moves forward with proposals to build gas-fired LNG plants in Kitimat, more people are at greater risk of getting sick more often," said Smith in a statement.



The airshed report examined potential health and environmental impacts in the area surrounding Kitimat, Kitamaat Village, Gitg'at, Hartley Bay and Terrace.

Polak said the report found low environmental impacts associated with nitrogen dioxide levels, but some increased levels of sulphur dioxide soil contamination and the potential danger of acidification in seven of the area's more than 300 lakes.


He said the government is trying to protect its LNG goals by downplaying the report's findings.

"They are trying to paint what is actually a dire conclusion in good light to avoid undermining their LNG dreams," Weaver said in a statement.
