SOUTH ARM CROSSING PROJECT: NAVIGATING THROUGH THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT AND STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION IN THE LOWER FRASER RIVER BASIN

摘要

HDD projects in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia face a myriad of regulatory policies and community and stakeholder interests due to concerns associated with land use, zoning requirements, and sensitive archaeological, agricultural and environmental areas. As a result, the Terasen Gas Incorporated (TGI) Fraser River South Arm Crossing Upgrade Project aka "the South Arm Crossing" was subject to review by several regulatory agencies and local municipalities and underscores the importance of effective communication and collaboration with regulators, the community, and stakeholders. This paper provides an overview of the regulatory authorizations and permitting requirements of the South Arm Crossing and identifies key stakeholders affected by the project. The South Arm Crossing reveals the importance of effective communication with regulatory agencies, land owners, businesses, and communities in the early stages of a project. Furthermore, agency and stakeholder cooperation can be enhanced with increased responsiveness to regulatory issues, and by incorporating stakeholder concerns into the project's development. The lessons learned from the South Arm Crossing will enhance the pipeline community's understanding of the federal and provincial regulations required to complete HDD projects in the Lower Mainland and provide strategics for developing communications and relationships with community members and stakeholders.