Proponents of a pipeline that would carry natural gas from a pumping station north of Prince George to a liquified natural gas plant in Kitimat are treading carefully as a members of a First Nations community opposed to the project are once again making their presence felt.
The Pacific Trail Pipeline has won the support of 16 First Nations, but the Unist'ot'en, a clan within the Wet'suet'en hereditary chief system, remain opposed and, like they have in summers past, are setting up "check points" at key areas where the route goes through their territory.
The action comes just as Chevron has begun pre-construction work this week along a 54-kilometre portion of the pipeline's 480 kilometre route. If built, the pipeline will deliver natural gas from a pumping station at Summit Lake, 55 kilometres north of Prince George, to a liquified natural gas plant in Kitimat, a joint venture between Chevron and Apache Canada Ltd.
"We have made it clear to the police and industry that we are not blockading the road," the Unist'ot'en said in an online posting. "We are establishing check-points on the boundaries of our unceded Unist'ot'en territories. People and companies who gain our consent are allowed to enter."
The clan maintains the project will impose an toll on the environment within its territory.
"At the same time we are considering the impacts of the communities where Chevron wants to frack, and the coastal communities who will bear the burden of impact from giant LNG tankers traversing treacherous waterways," the Unist'ot'en said in an online posting.
"We will protect our critical infrastructure of water, salmon, berries and medicines from destruction by industries that pollute."
Chevron-Kitimat LNG spokeswoman Gillian Robinson said the work this summer will consist of geotechnical work, surveying, clearing a thin line of trees and "ground truthing" or just walking the right of way. A final investment decision on the project has not yet been made.
As for the Unist'ot'en, she said the company hopes to reach a resolution through dialogue and discussion.
"And we would hope to have an opportunity to discuss the project and allow us to hear their concerns," Robinson said.
"We hope to see the pipeline built in a way that not only sees the economic benefits and the job benefits but at the same time also protects people and the environment because we don't feel there is a choice between the two, that both are possible."
According to the clan, there were some tense moments when officers from the Houston RCMP detachment appeared on the scene last week.
"Two officers attempted to cross the bridge without doing protocol but were blocked by some of our supporters who held the line," the clan said.
In a response, North District RCMP Cpl. Dave Tyreman said aboriginal members of the detachment have been in contact with the Unist'ot'en and "remain committed to be in an open dialogue with the community and provide assistance in keeping everyone safe and secure."
