BC's Energy Regulator orders LNG Canada to "address" black smoke emissions during flaring
A news release says BCER safety and compliance staff identified instances of non-compliance with the permit condition related to black smoke.The order requires LNG Canada to:Beginning April 22, 2026, report to the BCER all instances of the emission of black smoke flaring that exceeds 15 minutes in duration within 48 hours of the end of the flaring.
By August 15, 2026, submit a report completed by a “Qualified Professional” to the BCER that identifies the root causes of the emission of black smoke and measures to prevent the emission of black smoke.
By October 15, 2026, identify and implement measures to prevent the emission of black smoke based on the root cause analysis.
LNG Canada’s permit requires the company to design, maintain and operate flares and incinerators so that flaring, other than flaring for emergency purposes, does not result in:
a) the emission of black smoke during normal operations or;
b) the emission of black smoke during process upsets that exceed a period or periods aggregating more than 15 minutes in any two hour period.
The order states that on February 10-12, 2026, BCER staff conducted an inspection of LNG Canada’s plant in Kitimat. During this inspection it was identified that LNG Canada had experienced emission of black smoke not in compliance with the permit on at least two occasions:
a. On January 6, 2026, LNG Canada had black smoke emissions during non-emergency conditions, for a period exceeding 7 hours.
b. On January 7, 2026, LNG Canada had black smoke emissions during non-emergency conditions, for a period exceeding 2 hours.
Reports submitted by LNG Canada will be reviewed by BCER experts to ensure measures are in place to prevent further emission of black smoke.
BCER says "Black smoke results when fuel is not being completely burned. Air quality readings in the Kitimat area have not indicated flaring is causing an immediate or imminent risk to public safety or the environment."
The World Bank Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership monitors flaring and black smoke worldwide (which it calls black soot) and warns
In addition to these GHG emissions, black carbon - commonly known as soot - is another pollutant sometimes released by gas flares. Black carbon is produced through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and, despite remaining in the atmosphere for just a few days or weeks, has a very significant climate impact. This is of particular concern in the Arctic, where black carbon deposits are believed to increase the rate at which snow and ice are melting. Research from the European Geosciences Union indicates that gas flaring emissions may contribute about 40 percent of the annual black carbon deposits in the Arctic.
Air quality monitoring will continue and can be found here: Latest air quality data - Province of British Columbia
The news release says this order is part of the strong oversight the BCER is providing for this project, ensuring that steps are being taken to address flaring issues to prevent further emission of black smoke and compliance with permit conditions.
BCER Order to LNG Canada (pdf)LNG-Canada-Development-Inc.-General-Order-2026-0032-01
October LNG Canada flaring spiked at more than seven million cubic metres during Train 2 problems (World Bank report)
