FortisBC Amended Waste Discharge Authorization

FortisBC applied to amend their Waste Discharge Authorization (held with BC Energy Regulator) to increase volume and concentration of certain metals in their wastewater.

As part of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s (Squamish Nation’s) regulatory role on the FortisBC Eagle Mountain Gas Pipeline Project, we conducted a review of the proposed changes and communicated feedback to both the BC Energy Regulator and FortisBC.

Please see below for more information on the permit as well as the most recent updates:

The BC Energy Regulator approved FortisBC’s application to amend its Waste Discharge Authorization (WDA) permit for construction water associated with the west tunnel portal at Swiy̓át (WoodfibreLNG) as part of the FortisBC Eagle Mountain Gas Pipeline Project. After a thorough review of the amended permit by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Rights & Title staff and qualified professionals, we do not expect any new risks to be introduced from this permit change. We will continue to engage with FortisBC and BC Energy Regulator regarding compliance.    

What the permit changes mean 

  1. The permit changes authorize FortisBC to increase the volume of water discharged into East Creek (which is not fish bearing) due to higher water volumes from the tunnel than originally expected.
    • The new volume threshold is understood to be within annual variation for this watercourse.  
    • The new permit requires FortisBC to verify there are no ecological impacts, and we are waiting for information from FortisBC as to how they intend to monitor this. 
  2. The permit changes authorize FortisBC to use a higher copper threshold in discharge water due to naturally high copper levels in the area (in other words water from the tunnel often dilutes copper levels in East Creek).  
    • Given copper levels are naturally high in the area, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Rights & Title staff and qualified professionals do not anticipate concerns with the adjusted copper values. 
    • We will continue monitoring on site through our Indigenous Monitor program.      

Originally FortisBC also requested to increase allowable aluminum concentrations (as noted in our previous update on this topic: 2026-05 Newsletter), but this was later removed and is not included in the approved permit.   

Senior Rights and Title staff and qualified professionals have voiced concerns with ongoing high levels of aluminum in relation to chronic BC Water Quality Guidelines (that are not addressed in the BCER permit) to both FortisBC and BC Energy Regulator. Our expectation is that East Creek remains below chronic BC Water Quality Guidelines. We have issued SNEAA Compliance Report on the topic and continue to meet with FBC to address these concerns.  

 Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Rights and Title will continue to provide updates.