The Pacific NorthWest LNG project has been approved by the federal government, with Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and other cabinet members making the trip to Richmond Tuesday for the announcement.

The approval paves the way for state-owned Malaysian energy company Petronas to go ahead with the construction of an $11-billion terminal south of Prince Rupert and west of the Skeena River.

There will be 190 legally binding conditions attached to the project, and McKenna said that for the first time ever, one of those includes a maximum cap on greenhouse gas emissions. She said the approval came following a “rigorous environmental review process.”

“I am confident, with the 190 legally binding and scientifically determined conditions, that we will address the most important environmental impacts to ensure this project proceeds in the most sustainable manner possible,” said McKenna.

“Our assessment is based on the best available science and Indigenous traditional knowledge.”

Earlier this year, more than 100 scientists wrote to McKenna opining that the project would have significant negative impact on fish habitat.

The Wilderness Committee was among multiple environmental groups that were quick to criticize the approval on Tuesday, with climate campaigner Peter McCartney saying the group was “appalled.”

“Pacific NorthWest LNG poses a grave threat to our global climate, salmon in the Skeena River and the way of life of Indigenous people who live there,” he said in a release.

Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said that the project will provide 330 long-term jobs and more than 4,000 construction jobs.

“This project will make a difference,” he said.

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Photo: Lax U'ulu, aka Lelu Island (Brian Huntington)