Nexen looks to launch Digby Island evaluation for Aurora LNG Terminal project

Another step in the early days for the proposed LNG Terminal Development for Digby Island, as Nexen Energy has made its application to the Province to begin an evaluation of the site location for potential development.

On August 5th, Nexen applied to the Province of British Columbia's Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources for an Investigative Use Licence.

The application outlines the background on the plans from Nexen  to conduct geotechnical and geophysical studies within the area that they have targeted for interest.

If approved, the first phase would  take place before the end of September, while phase two would take place through the final three months of the year.

Nexen energy has applied
for a Licence to investigate
Digby Island for potential
LNG development

To conduct their exploration of the area, Nexen intends to set up a Temporary Staging area, consisting of trailers of equipment storage, spare fuel and water storage, a First Aid Centre, rest area and dry work area.  Workers will be transported by Nexen from Prince Rupert to the work site by water taxi, boat, barge or helicopter.

As part of their application, Nexen notes that they have no plans to construct any buildings on the site at this time, but will place wooden decks for the drilling equipment which will require brush clearing in the immediate areas.

Attention is to be provided towards any archaeological resources, with an identification team tasked with flagging any archaeological and heritage resources in the area.

As well, Nexen notes that they as of July 29th, they had notified a number of regional First Nations regarding their plans including: Lax Kw'alaams, Metlakatla, Gitxaala, Kistumkalum and Kitselas.

It's anticipated that it will require a team of 30 to 40 workers to conduct their work during the course of the investigative use phase through to the end of the year.

The Nexen project features the state owned Chinese energy company CNOOC as its majority investor, the proposed development site was shifted from the Grassy Point region of the North Coast to Digby Island back in January of this year.

You can review the full application and supporting documentation for the Investigative Land Use request  here.

Comments regarding the application are being accepted by the Ministry until September 16th, those interested in making comment regarding the application can learn more about that process here.

To learn more information about the proposed LNG development for Digby Island see our archive page here.