A high flare from the LNG Canada site lit up Kitimat’s night sky earlier this week, with visible smoke and elevated noise reported by residents during the overnight hours. The event, while more dramatic than usual, was part of the commissioning work and not considered out of the ordinary for a facility entering production.
“We are currently experiencing a period of heightened flaring, as I’m sure you’re aware with black smoke, noise, and a larger flame height than we’ve seen to date,” said Teresa Waddington, LNG Canada’s vice-president of corporate relations, in a recent message to the community on social media. “I want to take a moment to acknowledge the concerns and questions that residents have and to reassure you that we will in normal operations, have no flaring.”
Previous flaring typically ranged from 20 to 60 metres. LNG Canada expected flaring to continue throughout the weekend. As of June 23, flaring reached a maximum height of 95 metres on Sunday morning (June 22), which the company said was within the facility’s design limits. A company spokesperson said flaring heights have since dropped significantly.
The activity followed a period increased flaring associated with commissioning of the boil-off gas compressor. Since late May, residents have observed periodic flaring with visible smoke and noise as the plant prepares for its first shipment of liquefied natural gas.
“We acknowledge that the height and visibility of the flare, along with associated noise, light and smoke, can be concerning for residents within the community,” LNG Canada said in a public statement.
Flaring is a provincially regulated safety measure used to manage pressure and safely burn off excess gas during certain phases of start-up. The company has consistently stated that flaring will not be part of normal operations once the facility is fully online.
The smoke produced during flaring is primarily made up of carbon particles, or soot, which results from controlled combustion. Air emissions from the facility are monitored through the Kitimat Airshed Group, and recent readings have consistently remained low risk, registering between 1 and 3 on a 10-point scale.
LNG Canada said it continues to monitor noise and air emissions, and that flare volumes are being kept to the minimum required to maintain safe operations.
“I also want to encourage anyone who’s got questions to reach out to us at lngcanada.ca or to give us a phone call at 833-632-LNGC,” Waddington said. “Finally, I want to thank you – every one of our community members, residents, staff and everyone who works in and around the LNG Canada facility – for your perseverance, for your patience, and for sharing this journey with us. I look forward to welcoming our first cargo alongside you soon.”
