Tag Archives: Fort Nelson

Energy

‘Hard to believe it’s real’: B.C.’s energy regulator repeatedly gave Coastal GasLink a pass on alleged environmental infractions

Editor’s note: Another account of how government regulators are not equipped to do their job and the resulting lack of oversight may be putting the public at risk.

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

When officials from the BC Energy Regulator travelled to Wet’suwet’en territory in September 2022, they were planning a routine inspection of a fish-bearing stream.

Two years had passed since Coastal GasLink completed installation of a section of pipeline through the stream, a tributary of Tchesinkut Creek, near the community of Burns Lake in northwest B.C.

They discovered Coastal GasLink had never finished restoring the waterway and, for two years, pipeline construction had been impacting fish habitat. It was a mess. 

Continue reading ‘Hard to believe it’s real’: B.C.’s energy regulator repeatedly gave Coastal GasLink a pass on alleged environmental infractions →
Energy, Indigenous Nations

New attempt at geothermal could be coming to Fort Liard

By Caitrin Pilkington, Cabin Radio, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Fort Liard-based Acho Dene Koe First Nation is partnering with a Nanaimo-based company to explore a potential geothermal energy project. 

The company, Barkley Project Group, is also behind a geothermal project in Fort Nelson (photo at top of page), Fort Liard’s near neighbour in northern B.C., which is on track to become the first geothermal plant owned by a First Nation in Canada. 

Continue reading New attempt at geothermal could be coming to Fort Liard →
Energy, Indigenous Nations

Northeast B.C. geothermal project enters testing phase

By Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A second round of water testing for Fort Nelson First Nation’s geothermal power plan is expected by next week, ensuring groundwater in the region is commercially viable for geothermal electricity and heat production facilities.  

Owned by the Fort Nelson First Nation, the Tu Deh-Kah power plant will be B.C.’s first geothermal electricity plant once completed, using 120-degree water sitting 2,000 to 2,500 metres below the earth’s surface to generate power and heat year-round greenhouses.  

Continue reading Northeast B.C. geothermal project enters testing phase →