Coastal GasLink has come under scrutiny in northern British Columbia due to sedimentation control issues with their pipeline, which runs northwest of Prince George.

Inspectors found that the company was in non-compliance with the necessary measures required to keep nearby environmentally sensitive wetlands free from sedimentation. As of Feb. 15, an independent erosion and sediment control auditor will be responsible for producing a biweekly impact report to the Environmental Assessment Office. 

Environmental sciences professor Dr. Philip Owens from the University of Northern British Columbia highlights some core landscape and wildlife disturbances caused by sedimentation in the interview below. While Owens said he could not comment specifically on the Coastal GasLink pipeline, he provided a perspective on the wider environmental situation in northern BC. Owens has been involved in several research projects focusing on erosional impacts in the Nechako river and varying watersheds. A detailed summary of anthropogenic influences on sediment and soil erosion dynamics can be found in one of Owens’ research papers.

Here is Owens speaking with CFUR: