The provincial government will be spending $500,000 to determine what impact industrial development in the Prince Rupert area could have on air quality in the region.

The Ministry of Environment issued a request for proposal for the study on Dec. 2, with a Jan. 2 closing date. The study is to include the potential of seven LNG terminals, a proposed oil refinery, existing and proposed development through the Prince Rupert Port Authority, gas turbine powered electrical generation facilities and marine and rail transportation related to those industries. As well as looking at the impact to the environment, the study is to examine potential health risks to resident and effects to water, soil and vegetation.

The successful bidder will be required to complete the study and have a final report to the government by May 15, with conclusions from that report to be used in future environmental assessments, permitting and regulatory decisions within the airshed.