KITIMAT, B.C. – Residents in Kitimat and surrounding areas have been taking to social media this week, posting photos and asking questions about noticeable black smoke and increased noise coming from the LNG Canada site. The company has now responded, stating the emissions are a normal part of its advanced commissioning work and do not pose a risk to public safety.
The visible black smoke, which has been rising from the facility’s main flare stack, is the result of routine flaring used to safely burn off excess natural gas. According to a company spokesperson, the smoke is primarily composed of carbon particles, or soot, which can become visible when achieving perfectly efficient combustion isn’t possible during the dynamic start-up phase.
“Our operators are trained to manage flare operations to maximize combustion efficiency and minimize smoke,” an LNG Canada spokesperson said. “However, achieving completely smokeless flaring isn’t always possible during all conditions.”
The company issued a community notice on May 30, advising that this activity would be linked to commissioning the facility’s boil-off gas compressor and could continue through July 31. Flare heights are expected to vary between 20 and 60 metres during this period as multiple systems are activated and tested.
Crucially, air quality in the region is being independently monitored. Data from the Kitimat Airshed Group, a community-based monitoring organization, confirms that despite the visible smoke, local air quality has remained within acceptable levels and continues to pose a low health risk to residents.
LNG Canada stated it is operating within the emissions limits set by its environmental permits and is taking steps to minimize the noise and smoke. The company has committed to providing ongoing updates on its digital platforms as the facility moves closer to full operation.
