LNG Canada seeks tenfold boost to flaring limits

LNG Canada is asking British Columbia's energy regulator to increase its flaring limit tenfold for the next three years as the Kitimat facility continues to breach its current permits.

The country's first major LNG operation wants to flare up to 300 tonnes of gas per day — compared to its current limit of 28 tonnes. The company disclosed the plan during a March council meeting and recent resident presentation in Kitimat.

Since production began last fall, LNG Canada has consistently exceeded its permitted flaring limits due to operational problems including a malfunctioning flare tip and leaking valves. The company says the new limit would help accommodate these startup issues.

According to modelling from a previous company report, increased routine flaring could lead to a tenfold increase in emissions of volatile organic compounds into the region's airshed. Beyond routine flaring, the facility has also engaged in much larger volumes of "non-routine" flaring — unregulated gas purges needed to relieve dangerous pressure levels — which have dwarfed routine flaring since operations began.

Before production started, a promotional video predicted early flaring would "decrease significantly over several months." Years later, elevated flaring rates appear likely to continue throughout normal operations.

"First it was 'It'll only be three months,' " said Kitimat Councillor Gerry Leibel. "Now we're looking at three years." Leibel said residents near the facility are reporting growing concern about flaring's impacts, with local social media posts showing black smoke from the stacks and residents comparing the noise to a freight train.

Recent reporting suggests LNG Canada may have flared more gas last year than any LNG facility worldwide, based on satellite data estimates.