(Reuters) — British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Office has determined that work on the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission natural gas pipeline project has been substantially started, the provincial government said on June 5.

The decision means a 2014 environmental assessment certificate for the project will remain in effect indefinitely, unless suspended or cancelled under the Environmental Assessment Act, the B.C. government said in a press release.

The 900-kilometer (559-mile) PRGT project will run from Hudson's Hope in northeastern B.C. to Lelu Island near Prince Rupert on Canada's Pacific Coast.

It was acquired from TC Energy by the Nisga'a First Nation and the Western LNG in March 2024 to supply natural gas to the proposed 12 million tonnes per annum Ksi Lisims liquefied natural facility.

The 2014 environmental assessment certificate required that the project show substantial progress by November 25, 2024.

The B.C. Environmental Assessment Office launched a review process late last year to examine whether work had started, considering site inspections, documentation from PRGT and input from local First Nations.

The government statement said compliance and enforcement officers will continue to monitor the PRGT project throughout construction and operation to ensure it meets all environmental requirements.