The SCCA has partnered up with My Sea to Sky Society to challenge project approvals for the Woodfibre LNG Project.
Standing up for species at risk
Earlier this year, federal environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault amended the 2018 Federal Decision Statement to allow Woodfibre LNG to reduce the monitoring area for seals and sea lions by a shocking 98%. This is likely to cause grave harm to endangered sea lions in Átl’ka7tsem Howe Sound.
The Minister also weakened the conditions related to water quality and sediment, allowing Woodfibre LNG to avoid responsibility for its pollution. Which could result in the spread of legacy toxics into the marine environment.
Petition for Judicial Review
We’re seeking a judicial review of this decision.
The Impact Assessment Act is relatively new legislation and this will be precedent-setting litigation. We believe the decision was unlawful and unreasonable as the decision maker:
- failed to consider impacts to a species at risk;
- did not base the decision on the latest available science;
- limited the scope of water quality and sediment monitoring to those “attributable to the project;”
- based the decision on legal, political, and economic rationales, instead of fulfilling their mandate to protect the environment for Canadians.
Stopping toxic water pollution
Last week we also learned that the BC Energy Regulator has issued a “temporary” permit to allow FortisBC to discharge effluent into the Squamish River for 15 months to “enable construction timelines” for FortisBC’s tunnel. This effectively avoids public scrutiny and oversight.
Notice of Appeal
Our team is filing a Notice of Appeal via the Environmental Appeal Board for British Columbia (EAB). We need to act quickly, as FortisBC has started construction to prep the tunnel entrance, and is already laying pipe to discharge effluent into the Squamish River.
To win these cases, we need to raise $100,000
There is no doubt that legal challenges can be expensive. But, it is our mandate as a charitable non-profit to challenge flawed approvals that harm the environment, species and ecosystems at risk, and biodiversity.
We will need to raise money for legal fees to support the actions, as well as expert peer review, access to information, and personal to support these two cases.
Can you pitch in to support these legal actions?
All donations made to the SCCA are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
For donations under $1,000, we ask that you please donate to our “Stop Woodfibre LNG” fund via Canada Helps, so we are not inundated with administering donations/receipts and we can use more money on legal cases.
To donate Securities please use this form on the Canada Helps platform.
For donations over $1,000 you can donate directly to the SCCA via cheque or e-transfer. Please ensure you indicate in the memo: Stop Woodfibre LNG.
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