The BCER is publishing LNG Canada’s report to the regulator to provide the public with the information submitted to BCER in that report about black smoke events, the operator’s findings and their actions in response. Public access to regulatory information supports transparency and accountability and helps residents stay informed about energy resource activities in their communities.
DATE ISSUED:
Sept. 21, 2026
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
As required under the BCER’s General Order 2026-0032-01, LNG Canada has submitted its Black Smoke Emissions Report to the BCER. We are making this report publicly available to ensure transparency and aims to improve understanding of the black smoke events that have occurred at the facility, their identified causes and the measures LNG Canada has proposed to the regulator to reduce the likelihood of future events.
The BCER issued the order after instances of black smoke were observed at LNG Canada's Kitimat facility. Under the order, LNG Canada must investigate black smoke events that occurred after April 22, 2026, identify the causes of those events and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, subject to BCER’s review and approval.
The BCER has now reviewed the report to determine whether it meets the requirements of the order and found it satisfactory. Information provided through the report will support the BCER's ongoing oversight of LNG Canada's operations and help inform future regulatory decisions and actions. The order remains in effect, and LNG Canada must continue addressing the requirements set out by the BCER.
What the Report Contains
The report describes 20 black smoke events that occurred between April 22 and July 31, 2026, including events that LNG Canada self-reported as non-compliances. It identifies the causes of the events and outlines actions LNG Canada has taken, or plans to take, to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
The report reflects LNG Canada's assessment of the events and proposed prevention measures. The BCER will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of those measures through ongoing regulatory oversight.
According to the report, LNG Canada has implemented several prevention measures to date. Other measures require additional study, engineering work, equipment procurement or operational changes before they can be fully implemented.
BCER Oversight and Next Steps
The BCER will continue to oversee LNG Canada's operations, including implementation of the prevention measures identified in the report and assess whether the company is meeting the requirements of the order.
The order also requires LNG Canada to submit monthly reports between October 2026 and March 2027 that evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures that have been implemented. These reports will provide information on whether the measures are achieving their intended outcomes.
The BCER will assess effectiveness based on how well the measures:
- Reduce the number of black smoke events; and
- Reduce the duration of black smoke when an event occurs.
The order also requires LNG Canada to continue reporting any black smoke event lasting longer than 15 minutes. LNG Canada reported four additional black smoke events during August 2026. The BCER will also continue monitoring air quality in the Kitimat airshed, which has remained below B.C. Ambient Air Quality Objectives since LNG Canada received its emissions permit in 2024.
Black Smoke and Flaring Requirements
Requirements related to black smoke emissions are established through LNG Canada's facility permit and other regulatory requirements administered by the BCER.
During emergency situations, facility operators must prioritize bringing operations to a safe and stable condition. In these circumstances, operators are expected to minimize flaring and associated black smoke as much as reasonably possible while ensuring the safety of workers, the public and the facility.
During process upsets, black smoke should not be visible for more than 15 minutes within a two-hour period. Under normal operating conditions, no black smoke is expected.
In addition to requirements specific to black smoke, LNG Canada is required to minimize flaring at the facility.
The BCER will continue to review information submitted by LNG Canada, verify compliance with regulatory requirements and take further action where warranted.
Read the report
If you have any questions regarding this Information Update, please contact:
Communications@bc-er.ca