LNG Canada says it’s taking new steps to limit noise impacts on Kitimat neighbourhoods as the facility moves from commissioning into its 24-month early operations phase.
Company officials presented to council this week, acknowledging that most noise concerns over the past year have been tied to flaring during start-up. They noted that day-to-day plant operations have been meeting provincial sound limits.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Teresa Waddington told council the company has logged about 32 noise complaints since late 2024, with Strawberry Meadows and Kitimat Village seeing the highest numbers. She said normal operations noise from turbines and compressors remains low, while the loudest events have come from intermittent flare activity. LNG Canada says it now has a clearer understanding of how those sounds travel into nearby neighbourhoods.
Noise specialist Chris Bibby explained that the cold dry flare and low-flow assist-gas use were louder than originally expected and caused the most significant spikes in the community. He said the company conducted extensive monitoring around the facility and confirmed that routine equipment noise is having a relatively low impact on homes. The louder start-up events, he added, were the main source of complaints.
LNG Canada told council it has already altered several procedures to reduce noise from flaring. Staff said the company shortened start-up flaring by importing LNG for cooldown and using nitrogen for dry-out instead of natural gas. Operators are also limiting assist-gas use after learning how audible it was at low flow rates.
Waddington said Train 2’s start-up produced roughly 30 per cent less flaring than Train 1 as a result of these changes. She added that the company is reviewing flare tip design and adjusting internal processes to help lower volumes during upset events. LNG Canada expects noise to decrease further as the plant stabilizes and restart events become less frequent.
Community noise monitoring is continuing, including an extended station in Strawberry Meadows requested by the BC Energy Regulator. Bibby said surveys since the summer show the plant is compliant with sound limits during normal operations, with exceedances occurring only during flaring or trips.
Waddington told council the company responds to every complaint and aims to notify residents ahead of any activity expected to generate noise. She said LNG Canada will provide details about Train 2’s upcoming restart once the sequence is confirmed and will continue working to reduce impacts as the facility moves toward steady-state operation.
