NEB to hold hearing for Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project

The National Energy Board (NEB) will hold an oral public hearing to consider a proposal to expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system. The Board's Hearing Order outlines the key steps and deadlines for the hearing.

The Board will hear Aboriginal traditional evidence during August and September 2014 and the oral hearing will begin in January 2015.

The Board also released the list of parties who will participate in this hearing. More than 2100 individuals, Aboriginal groups, companies, organisations and groups submitted applications to participate. The Board considered each application and has determined that 400 will participate as intervenors and 1250 as commenters.

Trans Mountail Pipeline ULC submitted its 15 000 page application to the Board on 16^th December 2013. The project would expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system in Alberta and British Columbia and include approximately 990 km of new pipeline, new and modified facilities, such as pump stations and tanks, and the reactivation of 193 km of existing pipeline between Edmonton and Burnaby, BC. There would also be an expansion of the Westridge Marine Terminal.

The NEB has identified 12 issues for discussion during the hearing, including the potential environmental and social effects of the project, cumulative environmental effects, the potential environmental and socio-economic effects of marine shipping activities, impacts of the project on Aboriginal Interests, contingency planning for spills, accidents and malfunctions and the economic feasibility of the project. The complete List of Issues that the Board will consider is listed in Appendix II of the Hearing Order and available on the NEB website.

The Board has 15 months to complete its review. Once the hearing is complete, the Board must submit a report for the Governor in Council (Federal cabinet) recommending whether or not the project should proceed. This report is due no later than 2^nd July 2015.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/04042014/neb_to_hold_hearing_for_trans_mountain_pipeline_expansion_project/