The project threatens a fundamental component of B.C.'s coastal ecology
TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - David Miller, president and CEO of WWF-Canada, is available to comment on the federal government's decision today to approve construction of the $11.4-billion Pacific NorthWest terminal to export liquefied natural gas from northern British Columbia.
Statement from David Miller on behalf of WWF-Canada:
"The Pacific NorthWest LNG project threatens the Skeena estuary, which plays a fundamental and irreplaceable role in maintaining the structure and function of northern B.C.'s coastal ecology.
The threat to the estuary, combined with the increased greenhouse gas emissions, means Ottawa's approval is a missed opportunity to help build strong communities based on resilient ecosystems. It is a step in the wrong direction for North Coast communities, British Columbians, and for Canadians.
B.C.'s second longest river and a primary salmon river, the Skeena is a spectacular and wild river, winding 610 kilometers from its headwaters on the edge of Spatsizi Plateau to its rich estuary near the city of Prince Rupert on the Pacific coast.
The Flora Bank, at the mouth of the Skeena, is a critical eelgrass habitat that acts as a nursery for salmon and provides foraging grounds for waterfowl and countless invertebrates and fish, such as herring. It plays an essential role in the journey of millions of salmon that return to spawn every year. This extraordinary productivity supports large gatherings of marine mammals such as the harbour porpoise in the estuary which the government has determined will be significantly impacted by this project.
By approving the Pacific NorthWest LNG export terminal directly next to the Flora Bank, Ottawa risks the environmental wealth and biodiversity as well as the long term economic health of the region."
About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more info visit wwf.ca
SOURCE WWF-Canada
Philippe Devos, director of communications, [email protected], +1 416-453-0092
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