New Pipeline in the Skeena Watershed? What New Pipeline?

The proposed natural gas (from fracking, not natural) Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline will start in the northeast of BC and end in the estuary of the Nass river at the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG terminal. The pipeline was approved to cross the Babine, Suskwa, Salmon/Shegunia, Skeena, Kispiox and Nass rivers, all of which have salmon and steelhead. The PRGT pipeline wants to plow through numerous rivers and creeks, all of which are fish bearing. ALL of these creeks and rivers flow into or out of fish bearing watersheds. In Gitxsan territory alone, the PRGT pipeline is permitted to trench through, hang over, or tunnel under more than 100 of these rivers and creeks. 

Why Are We So Concerned?

Coastal GasLink showcased what pipeline construction through a salmon watershed in the Skeena looks like. It also demonstrated the complete failure at every level of government to regulate and enforce compliance during construction—a complete boondoggle. The pipeline industry and government regulators have created opposition to future projects based on the examples provided by Coastal GasLink. 

Because local leaders and Wet’suwet’en fisheries officers were not permitted to inspect or monitor pipeline construction without risking arrest, we teamed up with several other organizations and leaders and formed the “Citizens Monitoring Group.” We then hired a helicopter to fly us over the pipeline route to check in on what was actually happening. 

What we saw happening on the ground left us gobsmacked. The reality of how this project was being built versus what we were reading in the news or on corporate websites told very different stories. We took photos and videos and presented our case study to BC government ministers and staff, as well as the Federal Fisheries Minister and staff.

Keep in mind, many of the impacts in this case study were legally permitted by the BC government and endorsed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Before and After Comparison Photos

Why Now?

This pipeline could be right around the corner, with summer 2024 construction possible. As folks who live along the project’s right of way, we have a responsibility to speak up about this project. We are the ones who will be left with the impacts, positive and negative, so our voices matter. 

Local author, paramedic, and Kispiox Valley resident, Graeme Pole, has outlined some of the local impacts here.

On top of the looming implications to us, land, animals, and fish, we are also thinking about the ongoing impacts of the Coastal GasLink affecting our neighbours, family, and friends on Wet’suwet’en land, the Yintah. There have been, and continue to be, severe impacts on salmon, steelhead and trout, Telkwa caribou herds, and the impacts of climate change due to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline grapple with threats, harassment, and unauthorized surveillance. Their fight against persistent violations and the concealment of environmental damage is further challenged by a deliberate choice by federal and provincial regulators to disregard these issues. This choice is a stark departure from these regulators’ oversight responsibilities.

The Skeena watershed has already shown its strength when we united and stopped Shell from fracking in the Sacred Headwaters, the Enbridge oil pipeline, and the Pacific Northwest LNG terminal in the Skeena estuary. This region united against fish farms in the migratory path of our Skeena salmon and prevented coal mining in the headwaters of the Stikine, Skeena, and Nass watersheds. We are stronger together.

Why act now? Because the flagrant disregard to community and way of life cannot continue. We have worked so hard to protect salmon and local economies while witnessing the power of unity against mega-corporations, their covert schemes, police brutality, and governmental neglect. 

The evidence is clear: when we raise our voices in unison and collaborate, we can protect the lands and waters that sustain us – we can protect our way of life.

Where Does the Gas Come From?

The gas is extracted in the northeast corner of the province, from rock deep underground, using a process called hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. 

Fracking happens when millions of gallons of water, and thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals mixed with sand, are pumped underground at very high pressure, which cracks the rocks and allows gas to escape.

The massive amount of fracking in this region got the BC government in big trouble for cumulative impacts. Back in 2014, the Ganoonaxxum (mothers and grandmothers of both Indigenous and settler descent) hosted Treaty 8 Chief, Liz Logan, at a community event to help our region understand the impacts of fracking on her community.

We heard from Chief Logan that her people can no longer drink the water or eat the berries, fish, and game. These issues were brought forward in a court case against the Province of BC where the judge found the Province guilty of allowing these ongoing, cumulative effects to impact Indigenous rights and title. 

The Province hasn’t learned from their past mistakes—this is not “green” or “natural” fuel. Natural gas is a fossil fuel. 

When all of the emissions are calculated (from drilling, piping, converting and burning), studies have shown LNG to be a dirtier fuel source than coal.

Before and After Comparison Photos

Double click the image to interact with it

Before and After Comparison Photos

How Big of a Problem is This Project For Us?

Countries such as France, Germany and Northern Ireland have banned fracking due to concerns over its environmental and social impacts. The province of Quebec has placed a moratorium on fracking until further research can be done. These actions against fracking prompt the question, “Why is BC expanding fracking without greater consideration for its environmental and social consequences?”

Many of the chemicals used in fracking are well documented for causing cancer, birth defects, and disorders of the nervous system. In addition to groundwater contamination, fracking can also cause earthquakes. Methane (also produced in the fracking process) accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gasses (GHG), and is responsible for over one-third of human-caused climate forcing.

Here are just a few other ways the PRGT would impact us:

• Restricted access and permanent damage to traditional territories
• Travel delays
• Impacts to services (e.g. healthcare, roads, grocery stores and 9-1-1)
• Real estate speculation, housing shortages
• Social risks (e.g. addictions, risks to women)
• Pollution (e.g. air, water, light, noise)
• Salmon at risk
• Methane-toxic smog from compressor stations
• Health risks from compressor stations (e.g. headaches, nausea, cancer, heart diseases, lung diseases, asthma, stroke, high blood pressure, reproductive / birthing problems, mental health issues, neurological disorders, sleep disruption, existing medical conditions made worse)
• Potential for catastrophic failure (e.g. explosion and fire)

Wait, Does This Mean There is Fracking Happening in the Skeena Watershed?

There is no fracking in northwestern BC, at least not yet. In the PRGT application, it was openly stated that if a pipeline through northwestern BC is developed they would explore “midstream resources.” Once a pipeline is in place it would become viable for the natural gas reserves in the northwest to be exploited.

What would that mean for local residents? Based on the experiences of those who live in fracking areas of northeastern BC we could expect drinking water wells to be contaminated due to methane and other toxins migrating into aquifers. Fish and other aquatic life would suffer from decreased water flow in streams and die from fracking chemicals that are spilled into wetlands and creeks. Cattle, horses, other livestock and wildlife could be at risk due to contaminated surface water. This is the legacy of the fracking industry. Let’s not bring it here!