This proposal was considered controversial because it burns natural gas to generate power and the resulting pollutants would have drifted up the valley, adding to pollution already generated by the populous Lower Mainland of British Columbia, which includes Vancouver.
A high pressure natural gas line had just recently exploded in the foothills near the proposed site due to shifting soils.
An aquifer serving much of Whatcom County and Abbotsford, British Columbia is located directly beneath the site.
The site is in a floodplain that has experienced recent floods strong enough to sweep vehicles off roadways.
The proposed fill for the plant would displace floodwaters onto neighboring farms and homes, increasing flood depths by up to a foot.